THE "MAGIC" OF CHICK-FIL-A
If you have ever been to or seen a good magic show, you know how hard it is to figure out the details of the magician’s tricks. It is one of the reasons we call it “MAGIC.”
Magic doesn’t mean something is fake or a delusion. Magic just means we see the finishing outcome, but it is difficult to understand the process it took to get to the result.
The “magic” of teamwork is no different. It’s magical to see when teamwork is done the right way. This past Saturday I was enjoying my sons’ soccer games and was blown away about how things come together with great teamwork. No matter the age or the occurrence, teamwork is needed when one or more people are working together.
The same thing happens in the business world. Businesses thrive when organizations are able to understand the “magic” of teamwork. Chick-fil-A, for an example demonstrates great teamwork. In 2014, Chick-fil-A had system-wide sales of nearly $6 billion.
How did this happen?
I believe we all have experienced the “magic” of Chick-fil-A. We know something feels different, but let’s discuss a few reasons why all of this happens.
Chick-fil-A has done many things to create the success of their company, but one thing they have done is capitalize on the “magic” of teamwork. Yes, they serve a great product in their chicken, which has a lot to do with their success. But I would argue that their greatest product has nothing to do with their chicken. Their greatest product to me is their teamwork. Here are 3 reasons why Chick-fil-A was able to capitalize on the “magic” of teamwork.
1. Solid Foundation. The Chick-fil-A organization is still privately held and family owned, which makes a BIG difference. Most family owned businesses have a great feel for teamwork because they know each other and have been working together long before the business started.
It is important to know whom you are working with and what each person brings to the table. With this foundation, it permits for strong morals and values to be promoted throughout the organization.
2. Culture creation. Chick-fil-A has created a culture within their company. I have never been to any Chick-fil-A where an employee made me feel it was a burden to be in their establishment. Matter of fact, it is the complete opposite. Usually they go over and beyond to make sure I’m being served the right way.
When the “magic” of teamwork starts at the top, it reaches all the way don to the bottom. This is why Chick-fil-A has been so successful with their business. From the top down to the bottom, they have been able to develop an attitude of gratitude. It seems as if every employee is just so happy to be working.
I am still impressed to this day when ordering from walking-in or the drive-through when I hear these eight-words, “Welcome to Chick-fil-A, how may I serve you?” This is an attitude that has been created.
3. Customer-centricity. If you are going to do nearly $6 billion dollars in sales system-wide, it takes customer-centricity. What is customer-centricity?
Customer-centricity means the customer is the central focus. Anytime I have been to Chick-fil-A, I definitely feel that they are looking to make my day. You just get a sense they care about you.
If you are looking for success with your business or if you are attempting to lead in anyway, it would benefit you greatly to look at the design of Chick-fil-A. It is a company that gets it.
They have a great product not only in their food, but also with the amazing way they deliver their food. Success is waiting for all of us, if we are able to understand how to serve focusing on the “magic” of teamwork.
Question: What are your thoughts on teamwork? When have you experienced the “magic” of teamwork?
Peace and Prosperity,
Bryant Hall
MTN Universal, LLC