Tweak it, baby!

I just returned from Recurring Operator Training at the Chick-fil-A Home Office in Atlanta, GA. Incredible time! My operator, Dean Sandbo, graciously allowed for myself and fellow leader, Kyle, to accompany him as we will both be taking training director roles in the near future.

Boy did we cover a lot! The corporate trainers are top-notch. From the recipe for biscuits, to the recipe for service… it was clear that we ALWAYS have room for improvement.

So coming back to the local store, we have a vision to share… or maybe, rather, to refresh. We also have plans and procedures to help us strive daily for flawless execution. But why? For what purpose? A better quality food? Sure. A remarkable experience in the restaurant? Yep. But I go back to the fundamentals in terms of motive. And for me, that is a genuine LOVE for my guests… as well as for my fellow team members. Because when you love…. you care. Truly. And it takes you from a “punch in and out” routine and mindset, to an incredible culture for your team and for anyone who visits the restaurant.

I leave you with these thoughts:

[1 Corinthians 13 – CFA Version]
If I bake my biscuits correctly, If I refresh every beverage, If I bread the chicken to perfection, If I clear every tray, If I put the right amount of sugar in the tea, If I clean every window, If I am accurate with every order, If I make my Chick-fil-A profitable…. yet I don’t have a genuine LOVE for my guests and felIow team members… I. AM. NOTHING.

Is loving someone… genuinely… difficult at times? Yes! Of course. But we all must remember that “Every Life Has A Story”… we just have to take the time to read it. If that doesn’t affect you… if that doesn’t cause you to have compassion and motivate you to make a difference, check the temperature of your heart.

Making money is great, but a genuine care and compassion for people is not only the core of Chick-fil-A, but it was the passion of Jesus Christ. He ALWAYS had time for the individual.

Go love on some people today!

(Brian Hogan – Corporate Trainer, Art Terkeurst – Operator, Dean Sandbo – Operator, Kyle Snipes – Team Leader)