The retailer brings about 2,000 managers a year to its headquarters to discuss how to relate to workers and customers, part of a U.S. corporate trend. By Jordyn Holman Reporting from Bentonville, Ark.

A little bit of strategic investment in manager training can yield large returns. Startups are often characterized by lean structures, rapid growth, and a figure-it-out-as-you-go mentality. While this ...