Since joining the Exchange in 2013 after decades of retail management, Western Region Senior Vice President Ronny Rexrode has honed his leadership style to build meaningful relationships with his teams and dispel common myths about “perfect leaders” while staying true to his roots.
“People don’t follow perfection, they follow what is real,” Rexrode said in a Dec. 2 LINK (Leaders Inspiring Networks & Knowledge) presentation. “If you stay your genuine self, that’s the way we learn from each other.”
Myth of the perfect leader
“Many people think that leaders are supposed to be polished, unshakeable and flawless,” he said. “The stereotype is that leaders don’t show emotion, don’t have bad days, never ask for help—we know everything.
“That’s a crazy myth, and I’ve probably learned more from the people that have worked with me than the people I’ve worked for.”
Rexrode recalled his first job in the 1980s at a Sam’s Club in Springdale, Arkansas.
“Our store manager there had been with Walmart since it was founded in 1962,” he said. “I typically closed on Saturday nights because of my school schedule, but one night while he was also there, he calls me on the walkie-talkie and says ‘Rexrode, I need you up front with two mops and two buckets.’
“Here’s one of the original guys at Walmart who’s worth a lot of money and didn’t need to be closing on Saturday nights and here I was cleaning the restroom with him. He was leading by example.”
Remembering where you came from
“You can never forget where you came from,” he said. “My team has heard those words many, many times.
“The biggest mistake leaders make is trying to outrun their beginnings rather than honoring them. As a leader, I never want to forget what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence for the people you are there to lead.”
He went on to stress the importance of being genuine and consistent as a leader, no matter who you are around.
“Our folks want us to be genuine and honest, even when it’s not easy,” he said. “When you show up as yourself, not just the executive version of yourself, then everyone around you will be comfortable in being themselves and doing their best work, too.”
Stay grounded, stay human, stay real
Rexrode noted that as leaders climb the ladder, there can be pressure to change their personalities to fit what they think is expected of them.
“Don’t change yourself to fit a certain picture,” he said. “Leadership requires courage to hold your values and beliefs, and it will come naturally to you if you remain genuinely yourself.
“This is a people-focused business, and this is a perfect time of year to reflect on the teams you work with,” he finished. “The people in this organization are what make us special, so what will your footprints be and what will stand out about you when your team talks about you when they’re leaders too?”
LINK aims to strengthen workplace culture, boost morale and reinforce the value of connection. Each month, a senior leader hosts a session via Teams aligned to key business priorities.
Active associates who were unable to attend Rexrode’s presentation can view it here.
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