Assessing the Impact on Engagement for a Director Development Program

Abstract

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) launched the Leadership Acceleration Forum (LAF) pilot program to expand leadership skills and enhance middle management engagement and which has declined recently. As of 2024, TSC is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee. The organization has $15 billion in revenue from over 2,250 stores and online operations with 50,000 employees. The company's growth plans include opening 1,000 new stores in the next five years, necessitating the development of its middle management for executive roles. Middle management engagement scores have declined by 11% from 2022 to 2023. The LAF program, initiated in 2023, aims to address this decline through a hybrid learning model combining asynchronous and synchronous instruction. The study analyzed Hogan Personality Assessments, TSC’s promotion data, and a Vanderbilt University Survey to understand the LAF program's impact on engagement. Insights were used to identify areas for improvement and provide actionable recommendations. Key engagement factors include recognition, company fit, and autonomy. Recommendations for the LAF program include enhancing strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, recognition of accomplishments, and clearer career advancement pathways.