Page 144 - Everything I Know About Business I Learned

Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald’s

to such an influential group, and not knowing anyone, it was
fairly intimidating at first. My fellow board members included
numerous lawyers, judges, and political appointees as well as
renowned New Yorkers—the kind you read about in the pages
of the New York Times. It was an eclectic and interesting group.
I quickly found that I was welcomed and that my energy and
interest were appreciated, and the insights I garnered in my time
with that organization have been instrumental in helping me
understand and achieve balance in my business perspective. I
stayed more than 20 years with the board, even well after I left
McDonald’s, and was proud to serve in various capacities
including chairman for three of those years.

In Summary
At McDonald’s, no task was too small for even the top execu-
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tives. They relished being in the field and getting up close to the
customer. Their passion is contagious, and has spurred the rest
of us to share that same enthusiasm. Leading by example, they
demonstrated the importance of QSC to everyone in the system.
When leaders live and breathe the organization’s missions and
values, they inspire everyone else to impart those same ideals,
pushing everyone to accomplish more together as a group.

Key Learnings
✔ Demonstrate model behaviors. The essence of leading by
example is exhibiting a participatory style of involvement,
showing that no task is too humble, even for the boss. It is the
leadership’s actions that set in motion the behaviors and val-
ues of the organization. Your staff will find your involvement
and commitment both encouraging and motivating.