On Target: Book Review

As a new team member at Target Corporation headquarters in Minneapolis I aspired to learn as much as I possibly could about the organization in the shortest amount of time. The most effective way to learn is through people. Developing relationships and spending time with other team members gives you a great perspective, but those interactions are time consuming although very valuable. While I have begun establishing those relationships, I also was recommended this book from my senior group manager.

On Target was a fast read that provided a through history of Target Corporation as of 2003 and provides a view into how the path of its success. Rowley engages the reader with the innovations that differentiate Target from its competitors while taking care to highlight department store roots. Taking a deep dive into the life of George Draper Dayton, sons and grandchildren was most fascinating. As a native Detroiter, I have an affinity with Hudson’s. It was interesting learn trials in the world during that time and how this discount stores spawned from that era. I found the book remarkable accurate after having learned so much about the company now that I’m a team member. You’ll develop a greater understanding into the relationship culture of Target and a view into the minds of executive management.

I highly recommend this book as a reference for team members that desire to build a historical foundation as a new leader at Target Corporation at any level in the organization. It is also a great read for anyone that simply loves Target, the retail industry and enjoys causal reading.