Page 28 - Everything I Know About Business I Learned

Introduction

parts, and they reveal the real story behind McDonald’s success.
They can also serve as the building blocks to grow any organi-
zation. You will also notice, in many cases, how these principles
are related and even co-dependent with each other. After all,
without solid communications, how can we develop a powerful
relationship? Without integrity, how can I develop a true and
meaningful relationship? I believe you will have your own
insights to these areas, and that can only add to their impor-
tance in leading an organization. Share them with your teams.
A number of years ago, I attended a convention of real estate
people from around the country. I met up with a former
McDonald’s colleague. As we chatted about family and friends,
I asked him what the difference was between his time in McDon-
ald’s and now with his present employer, a competitor. He
thought for a minute, and then told me, “McDonald’s has a
soul. The others don’t.”
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I think that perfectly sums up the differences between
McDonald’s and “all others.” I hope to show you some of the
soul of the McDonald’s organization in these pages, and allow
you the opportunity to both understand and perhaps apply some
of the principles that came from such a remarkable group of
people.