Page 208 - Everything I Know About Business I Learned

Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald’s

The awards, regardless of the amount given out, were distinct
from others given in most organizations I have worked with in
two ways. First, these awards amounted to so much more than
a plaque or a trip. Instead, they were given in sincere, heartfelt
appreciation. As former regional vice president Willis Smart said
to me, “The difference between us [McDonald’s] and other
organizations is that we are really genuine about what we are
trying to do.” Second, the celebratory aspect of the award—from
the most humble pin or handshake to the highest possible honor
bestowed on an employee—meant that there would always be
an audience, be it family members or peers, to help in the com-
memoration. As McDonald’s USA president Don Thompson put
it, “We recognize people with fanfare.” Added Willis, of his expe-
rience at winning the prestigious President’s Award, “I couldn’t
get over the three-day celebration they had for us.”
And David Delgado, formerly a real estate attorney at
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McDonald’s and now a circuit court judge, reminded me how
the company rewarded those who pushed forth with its mission
to embrace diversity: “I was given recognition for joining a
national Hispanic organization. Ed Schmitt, then the president
of the company, came down to our area and congratulated me
in front of the whole floor. The whole floor stopped what they
were doing. I received a week at the corporate retreat in Lake
Geneva. It encouraged other people to join organizations as well.
It was impressive, and especially that they made such a big deal
about it. He was very encouraging and supportive.”
Ask anyone who ever rose within the ranks of the McDon-
ald’s system—from crew to operator to corporate—and he or
she will tell you: We worked hard. And the recognition many of
us received was satisfying in ways we never imagined possible.
Without that hard work, without the perseverance to sweat
it out—whether serving as a counter person navigating the hec-