I don’t know if I will ever end up operating a Chick-fil-A, but I can tell you this for a fact: I am definitely not on this journey to obtain riches. I didn’t come from money, but I did come from a family who loved, served, and cared about people. People give me a drive I can’t explain. I trust a lot. Maybe too much. I don’t hold grudges. Can’t. I’ve never burned a bridge, or intentionally made enemies. People are my passion! Of course CFA is a business, and I would do my ultimate best to be a good steward of my store, and seek to do everything in my power to make it financially beneficial to the company at large. But if there is one thing I’ve learned over the years.. it is this. If the dollar becomes your priority, people will suffer along the way. Period. If you are the head of a company, and you are squeezing every penny out of everything and everyone in sight… to the point where you spread your crew so thin they are stressed out and worn… you have your priorities in the wrong place. And trust me… you are the topic of conversation around the water cooler… and it’s not a pretty picture. Interestingly enough, if your priority is people… the money will come. Why? Because you’ve built a culture of loyalty, contentment, trust, happiness, etc that will propel your company to infinity and beyond. So take the greed snake out of your boot and start loving on some people. It will be so worth it!
Doubt? Yep, I’m human.
Somehow my 9 hour shift became a 13 hour shift… and with only a bagel in my belly for sustenance, my head was pounding. Maybe it was the fact we got ROCKED today by an unexpected public school orientation “rush”, or that while learning to cut, wash, chill, and spin lettuce, I was pulled in 18 different directions. By the time I was ready to call it a day, I realized that help was needed for a marketing event… so I stuck around. I had to. I couldn’t leave my team in a pinch. At the event, someone commented on my white, button-up shirt which was stained with oil, grease, syrup, etc. I was worn, and I began to doubt if this whole thing was for me. My goal is to be an operator… but just being a team leader has my head spinning at times. When I finally felt I could leave, I clocked out and said goodbye to my team… and that’s when it happened. Like it always does. One by one the hugs, the “Love ya Kento”s, and the “see you tomorrow”s came flooding in. And I believed again. I believed because I believe in them… and it’s because of them that I am even on this journey. I am so incredibly blessed.
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My Operator is a “Clean Freak”, and I LOVE IT!
I personally love cleanliness. Cleanliness can make, or break, your reputation. Yesterday, I spent the last few minutes of a 12 hour shift walking around the store with my Operator, taking notes of everything that needed to be cleaned. It’s HIGH on his priority list, which means it needs to be high on ours. But why? Simply because the boss man says it needs to be done, or maybe because if it’s not done, we receive low scores when inspected… or perhaps if we refuse, it’s our job at stake? Honestly, you could make a case for any of the above suggestions… but what my Operator, Dean, instills in us is that we need to be a FAITHFUL STEWARD of ALL that God has entrusted to us. WOW! If we get that… if we TRULY grasp that… even the not-so-glamorous parts of our service, like cleaning, will be enjoyable. Cleaning is so important, but having the right attitude and motive behind the cleaning… that’s a GAME CHANGER!
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Sharing our passion for people
Tonight was incredible! Ok, to be honest, each and every time we get to share our passion for people… and the culture at Chick-fil-A… it’s incredible. We gathered new hires together for Day 1 of orientation. They are treasured by us all already. The joy on their faces is immeasurable. So pumped to see how they will use their gifts and talents to impact each other, and the community around them.
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A true leader defined
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. —Douglas MacArthur
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To hire, or not to hire
The hiring process has to be the toughest aspect of my job. With a personality that loves people, and wants to give a chance to every human being who walks through the doors… it honestly breaks my heart to file an application knowing that they probably won’t be a part of the team. At the same time, this process is good for me in that it stretches me beyond my comfort zone, and makes me realize that just because someone doesn’t fit into our culture, doesn’t mean they can’t excel somewhere else. I wish nothing but the best for them, and cherish the time that we were able to spend together… even if it was for just a few moments. To those new hires… I cannot wait to bring you alongside and show you what a tremendous opportunity it is to serve our community and each other. Welcome to the team!
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Saying goodbye is never easy
Sad to see our seniors go off to college, but excited for their futures! Keep God #1. Love you all!
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Yes, God!
July 31, 2013
Lord, I want your love to shine through me today. Many guests and team members need you… I need you. So please help ME to not get in the way of YOU.
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2nd mile service… at the dump!
July 26, 2013
Was at the landfill with Trey unloading our bi-weekly trash, when a little old lady backed her caddy in next to me. I ran over to help her with her stuff, when another lady across the way said, “My, you’re a sweetheart!” … I quickly responded with, “I work at Chick-fil-A. We LOVE doing this for people!” LOL.
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Burdened for my “kids”
July 25, 2013
I’m falling in love with the Wesley Chapel/Weddington community. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the wealthy don’t need our prayers or compassion. They have everything, right? So far from the truth! Often, they need the most love and care. Glad God’s given me the opportunity to serve here.
HOUSE OF PRAIN 