Leaders Add Value to People Every Day

As many of you know, I’m a huge Chick-fil-A fan and recently was in the hunt to get selected to become an operator. Unfortunately, as many know as well, it’s easier to get into Harvard than to become an operator for Chick-fil-A and I did not make it entirely through the selection process. During the process I dove headfirst into learning as much about the organization, it’s long history and more about its values and mission. This leads me to today’s article. ?In the world of leadership and business management, the concept of value creation is often discussed in the context of financial outcomes or strategic advantages. True leadership goes beyond just numbers and really digs into how we influence others and uphold strong ethical values. This understanding is beautifully encapsulated in the Chick-fil-A corporate purpose, drawn from S. Truett Cathy's inspiring book, "Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People, Doing Business the Chick-fil-A Way." The purpose states: "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

The Essence of Leadership

At its core, leadership is not about the title on your business card or the accolades you accumulate over your career. It is fundamentally about the impact you have on others—the way you add value to every interaction. Chick-fil-A's purpose underscores the importance of influencing everyone we meet positively. This mission resonates with anyone aiming to lead effectively, regardless of their industry or role.

Adding Value Every Day

How can leaders add value consistently to every person they interact with? It starts with the cultivation of key virtues:

1. Honesty: Being transparent and truthful in all dealings sets a foundation of trust, a critical element in any relationship. Honest leaders inspire authenticity within their teams, encouraging an open and genuine work environment.
2. Curiosity: Leaders who remain curious are always learning, always growing. This trait not only fosters personal development but also ignites passion and innovation within their teams.
3. Integrity: Acting with moral and ethical principles is non-negotiable. Leaders of integrity ensure that their actions and decisions align with their values, setting a powerful example for others.
4. Intention: Every action taken should be purposeful. Intentional leadership involves thoughtful decision-making that considers the long-term impact on people and the organization.
5. Empowering Others: True leaders empower their teams. They provide the tools, resources, and support necessary for individuals to succeed and grow.
6. Collaboration: By fostering a spirit of collaboration, leaders can harness the collective strengths of their teams, leading to more innovative and effective outcomes.

Living Leadership Daily

Leadership is an everyday endeavor. Each day provides a new opportunity to impact someone's life positively. Whether it's mentoring a colleague, providing constructive feedback, or simply offering a listening ear, every action you take as a leader can add value to those around you. It is these daily interactions, compounded over time, that define your legacy as a leader.

In the end, the call to "have a positive influence on all who come in contact with us," as articulated by Chick-fil-A's corporate purpose, challenges us to rethink leadership. It's not just about business outcomes; it's about human outcomes. By embracing values like honesty, curiosity, integrity, intention, empowering others, and collaboration, leaders can truly make a difference every day.

To live as a leader is to live committed to adding value in every interaction. This commitment transforms careers, companies, and ultimately, communities.

Need To Step Up Your Game? "TRY ME"

If you are a CEO, Dealer, or an Organization struggling in todays market and need to get better, be sure to check out my website or call me directly for all my services to help you with your Go-To-Market Strategies, Developing your People, and Leveraging the right Tools/Systems to not only meet but exceed the continuously changing demands of our automotive retail industry today: John Gottschalk Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker