Insights on the Importance of Time Management - from Clothing Retail to Retail Banking

 

As a junior in high school, I took a position as a stock room associate and weekend brand ambassador at a local men's clothing retailer in Newark, New Jersey. In addition to allowing me to become an expert t-shirt folder, the job prepared me for future success, teaching me to prioritize and manage my time effectively and about the value of teamwork and a client-centric approach to business.

 

My responsibilities as a brand ambassador included managing the sales floor, taking part in community events and sharing details on in-store promotions. I was also a stock room associate where I was tasked with organizing inventory and price marking our clothing for sales. While I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with customers on a daily basis, I was challenged to manage my schedule and was quick to learn the importance of prioritization.

 

One year, we were on a tight schedule to launch a new store and I was responsible for stocking the inventory and training new associates. Being 17, I viewed this as a massive undertaking and felt a significant amount of pressure. Luckily, leveraging the time management skills I had previously learned, I was able to complete what was required of me. I am now able to reflect on the success of launching a new store that still exists today.

 

Much of what I accomplished would not have been possible without the guidance of my direct manager, A.P., who was a huge positive influence on me. She set expectations early on and defined goals and processes for achieving success. Her approach helped me complete tasks efficiently and on time, and has inspired the way I now manage my own team.

 

In my role at Citi, as a Vice President for the U.S. Retail Banking Business, the ability to manage my time, my calendar and my day to day activities is key the success of my team. Whether I am scheduling time with my boss, setting up a client appointment that may require travel time or carving out half an hour for coaching sessions with my team, I am sensitive to our peak client-servicing hours and any deliverables that may be due. I have found that something as simple as maintaining an up-to-date calendar can make all the difference.