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In 1982, Chick-fil-A was facing some new challenges. The company had just moved into a new corporate headquarters, a $10 million investment when interest rates were at their highest. Sales in the Restaurant were declining for the first time. Competitors started selling chicken breast sandwiches, putting increased pressure on the chicken market and causing the price of chicken breast to rise.
In the midst of these challenges, 10 Chick-fil-A leaders took a retreat in north Atlanta to discuss how to correct the declining sales and set goals for the future. They began to ask themselves “Why are we here? Why are we in business?” The answer to those questions became Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose.
Our success is predicated on the success of our Operators. As Staff, we are here to serve Operators, our Customers and one another to ensure we grow our business, nurture our brand, enrich our culture, and deliver on our Purpose.
Our culture is built on a foundation of trust, authenticity, community, and mutual respect. Our differences strengthen us, and we know we are better together than we are alone. We are fortunate to work with extraordinary people and unite around something bigger than ourselves.
Working at Chick-fil-A is more than a job. Centered around a strong purpose that informs and inspires us, we are constantly seeking to have a greater impact, no matter how big or small the task.
Relentless innovation drives our business. We look ahead to the future with courage and curiosity. We continually think beyond the present in search of new and better ways to create impact.
Relentlessly executing and improving our system the same way all the time with no regard to the task or who is watching.
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
The guest and the team come first, always.
Enjoying the tasks, the people you work with, and those we serve.
Everyone maximizing that which has been entrusted to us.
As a team we win and as a team we fail. No one person can make us succeed but one person can make us fail.
Commitment to Excellence:
Commitment to excellence is the unwavering dedication to consistently achieve the highest standards of performance and quality in everything one does. It involves setting ambitious goals, continuously striving for improvement, and refusing to settle for mediocrity. This value compels individuals and organizations to push their boundaries, embrace innovation, and refine their skills to deliver exceptional outcomes. By valuing commitment to excellence, individuals and teams demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a drive to exceed expectations, which ultimately leads to personal growth, professional success, and the creation of outstanding products, services, and experiences.
Integrity:
Integrity is the cornerstone of ethical behavior and honesty. It encompasses maintaining a strong alignment between one's actions, values, and principles. Acting with integrity means being truthful, trustworthy, and consistent in both words and actions, regardless of the situation. This value fosters an atmosphere of trust and respect in relationships and interactions, both personally and professionally. People who prioritize integrity make ethical decisions even when faced with challenges, and they take responsibility for their actions, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.
Others First:
The value of "others first" revolves around prioritizing the well-being, needs, and interests of others before one's own. It involves acts of empathy, kindness, and selflessness. By putting others first, individuals demonstrate a commitment to building meaningful relationships and contributing positively to their communities. This value encourages acts of generosity, support, and collaboration, creating an environment where people feel valued and cared for. Practicing "others first" leads to stronger connections, a more inclusive society, and a sense of fulfillment derived from making a positive impact on others' lives.
Fun:
The value of fun emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and finding joy in the activities, tasks, and experiences that make up life. Incorporating fun into various aspects of life brings about a sense of lightheartedness, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. By infusing enjoyment into work, learning, and relationships, individuals can maintain a healthier work-life balance and cultivate a positive environment. Valuing fun encourages a positive mindset, fosters innovation, and enhances overall well-being, leading to increased motivation and productivity.
Stewardship:
Stewardship involves taking responsibility for the careful management and preservation of resources, whether they are natural, financial, or organizational. It's about recognizing that we are temporary custodians of these resources and have a duty to ensure their sustainability for future generations. Embracing this value requires making choices that consider the long-term impact of our actions on the environment, society, and institutions. By practicing stewardship, individuals and organizations demonstrate a commitment to ethical decision-making, sustainability, and the greater good.
Working Together:
The value of working together, also known as collaboration, highlights the power of synergy and cooperation. It involves recognizing that collective efforts can yield greater results than individual ones. Collaborative environments foster diverse perspectives, shared knowledge, and the pooling of strengths to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. Valuing working together encourages effective communication, active listening, and compromise. By embracing this value, individuals and teams can harness the strengths of each member, promote innovation, and create a culture of mutual support and shared achievements.
Embracing these core values in various aspects of life can lead to personal growth, positive relationships, and the creation of a thriving, ethical, and harmonious community.
Chick-fil-A, Inc., Founder S. Truett Cathy died Sept. 8, 2014, at age 93. Cathy started the business in 1946, when he and his brother, Ben, opened an Atlanta diner known as The Dwarf Grill (later renamed The Dwarf House®). Through the years, that restaurant prospered and led Cathy to further the success of his business. In 1967, Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta's Greenbriar Shopping Center. Today, Chick-fil-A has the highest same-store sales and is the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States based on annual system-wide sales. Cathy’s family has continued his tradition of leadership, including his son Dan, who was appointed as the company’s CEO in 2013, and grandson Andrew, who serves as the current Chick-fil-A CEO.
Cathy was the author of six books and was a committed philanthropist dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth. He was the recipient of countless awards over the years, both for his business acumen and for his charity. With his wife of 65 years, Jeannette McNeil Cathy, he led a life that was centered on biblical principles and family, and is survived by his sons Dan T. and Don "Bubba" Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
“I try to lead by example and learn from the examples that have been set before me.”
“We all have a role to play, and finding more meaningful and memorable ways to live and work together is a great responsibility.”
"If you truly want to make a difference in this world, strive to connect with people through the power of relationship.”