"Success is not measured in wealth, fame, or power, but by whether you have made a difference in the lives of others."
-S. Truett Cathy
Our Growth Path provides a valuable opportunity for you to take charge of your personal and professional development. This process is designed to empower you to lead your growth journey at your own pace, with leadership available to support and guide you along the way.
It is important to note that you are responsible for taking the initiative to progress through this path. Completing every step of the process is required, and skipping steps or promotions is not permitted.
We are committed to helping you succeed and grow. If you have any questions or need clarification at any point, please don’t hesitate to ask. Your development is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
"Be thankful for what you have while working for what you want"
-S. Truett Cathy
Requirements
Available at least 10 hours a week
Available at least 2 Saturdays a month
At least 14 years old
Expectations
To foster a positive atmosphere by consistently arriving on time for shifts, dressed in full uniform, and demonstrating a good attitude. Team members are expected to prioritize a guest-first mindset by applying the Core Four behaviors, delivering Second Mile Service, and embracing the Winning Hearts Every Day strategy.
Growth Path
Complete all necessary paperwork
Attend orientation
Complete training
Complete training survey (FOH survey / BOH survey)
"Do what is right, not what is easy."
-S. Truett Cathy
Requirements
Has worked as a team member for at least 3+ months
Available at least 15 hours a week
Has not received any write ups in the last 90 days
Has completed new hire growth path
Expectations
Demonstrates expertise and proficiency in their respective area, takes initiative to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results. Actively fosters a positive and inclusive environment, ensuring all team members feel valued and supported while providing an outstanding experience for guests.
Growth Path
Complete expression of interest
Has completed FOH or BOH operations pathway (if you need this assigned to you please notify management)
Has mastered 3 parts of the business
Final expectation meeting with manager
"Always leave people better than you found them."
-S. Truett Cathy
Requirements
Has been employed at Chick-fil-A for 6+months
Has not received any write ups in the last 90 days
Has completed advanced team member growth path
Available at least 20 hours a week
Competencies
Knows & Executes the Restaurant
Demonstrates full understanding of operational procedures and workflows.
Maintains consistency in following Chick-fil-A standards.
Quickly resolves issues to keep the restaurant running smoothly.
Communicates Clearly
Clearly explains systems and processes for effective training.
Coaches team members and new hires with kindness and clarity.
Keeps leadership informed of trainee progress and performance via the training channel.
Connects Personally
Creates a welcoming and supportive environment for new hires.
Fosters positive relationships among team members.
Encourages a culture of inclusivity and teamwork.
Shows Ownership
Identifies opportunities to provide coaching and development.
Actively tracks and invests in the growth of new hires.
Takes accountability for the success of the training process.
Embodies Core Values
Consistently practices the Core 4: create eye contact, share a smile, speak in a freindly tone, and always say "My pleasure."
Lives out the “Winning Hearts Every Day” philosophy in interactions with guests and team members.
Seeks opportunities to go the second mile by creating meaningful guest connections.
Growth Path
Complete expression of interest
Meet with manager about expectations and feedback for growth
Attend trainer workshop
Exemplify trainer competencies
Final expectation conversation with manager
"Lead with love, not with fear."
-S. Truett Cathy
Team Lead Role Overview
The Team Lead role was created as a stepping stone in your leadership development. We recognized that many team members found it challenging to make the leap from Team Trainer to Shift Leader. To better support your growth, we introduced the Team Lead position.
This role gives you the opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn how to effectively lead others—without yet taking on the full responsibilities of a Shift Leader, such as handling money, making game plans, or managing breaks. We've seen that new leaders often get caught up in these tasks and forget that their primary role is to lead people. The Team Lead position helps you focus on just that: leadership.
As a Team Lead, you’ll take ownership of key areas in the restaurant, such as Drive-Thru or Front Counter. This allows the Shift Leader to focus on the overall flow of the shift while you ensure your area is running smoothly. You’ll guide your team, make sure everyone is in position and productive, and step in to resolve issues as they arise. You are responsible for the operational success of your assigned area.
However, please note that you are not responsible for running the entire shift or making decisions that affect the shift as a whole. While you may move team members within your area temporarily to support short-term needs, any major position changes must be approved by the Shift Leader.
Requirements
Has been employed at Chick-fil-A for 6+months
Has not received any write ups in the last 90 days
Has completed advanced team trainer growth path
Available at least 20 hours a week
Competencies
Knows & Executes the Restaurant
Masterfully oversees the assigned area, ensuring operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Maintains safety, cleanliness, and quality standards within their designated zone.
Supports team members by resolving challenges quickly and effectively.
Communicates Clearly
Provides clear instructions and updates to team members in their area.
Ensures everyone understands expectations and current priorities.
Shares feedback constructively to improve individual and team performance.
Connects Personally
Builds trust with team members by offering encouragement and support.
Promotes collaboration within the team.
Engages with guests to enhance their experience and build loyalty.
Shows Ownership
Takes accountability for the performance and efficiency of their assigned area.
Proactively addresses issues and seeks solutions to improve operations.
Tracks and measures the success of their zone’s operations.
Adaptability
Adjusts priorities and resources to address unexpected challenges in the area.
Responds calmly and effectively to changes in guest volume or staffing.
Implements new processes smoothly to maintain efficiency.
Coaches Proactively
Identifies opportunities to teach team members new skills or refine current ones.
Provides real-time coaching to encourage growth and improvement.
Celebrates team successes and offers development opportunities.
Growth Path
Complete expression of interest
Meet with manager about expectations and feedback for growth
Attend leadership 101 class
Exemplify team lead competencies
Final expectation conversation with manager
"Great leaders inspire others to achieve great things."
-S. Truett Cathy
Requirements
Has been employed at Chick-fil-A for 6+months
Has not received any write ups in the last 90 days
Has completed advanced team leader growth path
Available at least 30 hours a week
Competencies
Knows & Executes the Restaurant
Oversees shift operations, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently.
Enforces operational standards for food safety, cleanliness, and quality.
Identifies and resolves problems that arise during the shift.
Knows & Executes the Business
Manages labor, sales, and productivity metrics to achieve shift goals.
Monitors real-time performance to optimize profitability and guest experience.
Aligns team efforts with the restaurant’s larger business objectives.
Communicates Clearly
Clearly outlines shift expectations and priorities to team members.
Ensures communication flows smoothly between FOH, BOH, and leadership.
Provides concise, actionable feedback to team members.
Shows Ownership
Takes full responsibility for the shift’s performance and outcomes.
Leads by example in professionalism and work ethic.
Seeks solutions proactively to keep the shift running smoothly.
Critical Thinking
Assesses challenges and determines the best course of action.
Balances short-term solutions with long-term implications.
Anticipates potential bottlenecks and prepares alternative strategies.
Adaptability
Adjusts shift plans in response to changing guest needs or team dynamics.
Quickly reallocates resources to handle unexpected bottlenecks.
Maintains composure and keeps the team focused during high-pressure situations.
Growth Path
Complete expression of interest
Meet with manager about expectations and feedback for growth
Attend leadership 102 class
Exemplify shift lead competencies
Final expectation conversation with manager
"The best way to find yourself if to lose yourself in the service of others."
-S. Truett Cathy
"We must motivate ourselves to do our very best, and by our example, lead others to do their best as well."
-S. Truett Cathy