Home Depot Operations Supervisor Khareem Talks Heritage, Work Style and Leadership
Originally published on Built From Scratch
When Khareem Mitchell started with The Home Depot in 2018, he quickly discovered that he joined an organization where his personal principles seamlessly aligned with the company’s values. For Khareem, his Afro-Hispanic roots play a big role in how he conducts his life – both inside and outside of work.
Khareem’s heritage influences many aspects of his life, from the languages he speaks to the family traditions he practices. “I speak English, some Spanish and fluent sign language because I’m hearing impaired, a family trait that I inherited,” says Khareem.
One family tradition that has been passed down is the use of plants to honor the memory of a deceased relative. “When someone dies in my family, we plant a plant in their memory,” Khareem explains. “It’s a representation that the energy of that person still lives through us. This tradition also helps me remember that each person is different and requires a different level of care and guidance.”
Editor’s Note: Photos were taken pre-COVID-19.
Khareem has held two positions since he joined the company. He started as a resolution expediter in the retail department before being promoted to his current role as an operations supervisor in customer care.
“I currently work with the best team I’ve ever worked with,” says Khareem. “We uphold the company values and hold our business partners to the same standard. Having that as our common ground allows for resolutions to be found that are beneficial for all.”
Khareem’s background has shaped his personal life and has also influenced his leadership style at work. “I lead people like I garden: water without drowning and give light without scorching,” says Khareem. “Just like each plant has different needs, my associates do, too. I look for ways to coach my team in the most effective way that will bring out their best.”
Interested in a career at The Home Depot? The company is hiring more than 100,000 associates for the spring. To learn more about our accelerated hiring process, visit careers.homedepot.com.
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