One at a Time
Ready — S. Truett Cathy grew up during the Great Depression. Money was tight and opportunities were limited. As a young man, he and his brother opened a small restaurant in Georgia called the Dwarf Grill. Long hours, financial pressures, and fierce competition tested Cathy’s perseverance from the very beginning. Then tragedy struck.
In 1946, Truett’s brother Ben was killed in a plane crash. The loss devastated him personally and professionally. Many people might have stepped away under such circumstances. Cathy chose to continue building.
Set — Over time, Cathy developed what became the signature Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich and pioneered the idea of placing restaurants inside shopping malls. It was his leadership style, however, that distinguished him even more than his business strategy.
Cathy focuses on people, not merely profits. He emphasized customer service, employee care, and strong organizational values. While others chased rapid expansion at any cost, Cathy concentrated on consistency, culture, and stewardship. Today, Chick-fil-A is known not only for financial success but also for its strong service culture.
What insights does Truett Cathy model for leaders today? He . . .
Persevered Through Personal Loss: Cathy continued leading faithfully despite deep grief and hardship.
Prioritized Values Over Speed: He built a strong corporate culture over time based on traditional family values.
Concentrated on People: Employees and customers were treated with dignity and care.
Stayed Consistent: Cathy built trust through reliable principles and practices.
Led with Long-Term Perspective: His decisions reflected stewardship, not short-term gain.
Grow! — Leaders can become so focused on growth, attendance, or programs that they neglect culture and relationships. Truett Cathy aimed for sustainable leadership rooted in values, consistency, and genuine care for people.
Two Questions
What values define your leadership culture?
How do you model the principles you teach?