Chick-Fil-A Character Analysis

Leadership. A trait, it has been said, that an individual is born with and cannot be acquired, denoting that it is in the gene pool of an individual’s family ancestry. Others contend that leadership is an acquired talent, one that can be instilled within an individual through training, modeling and mentoring. While there is validity to both schools of thought, there remains a trait of leadership that without it the leader will ultimately miss the experience true fulfillment. That trait, integrity of character. “Integrity of character embodies the Golden Rule, because it represents every gift of morality, value, and ethics we would hope to receive from others” (Riege, 2010). While it can be ascertained from the teachings of talent developer
At the time of his death in 2014, “there were more than 1,800 Chick-fil-A restaurants in 40 states and Washington, D.C.” (Cathy, n.d.). During his tenure, Cathy “led Chick-fil-A on an unparalleled record of 47 consecutive years of annual sales increases” with system-wide sales hit $5 billion in 2013, outpacing KFC, making it the country's largest quick-service chicken chain (Forbes, n.d.). Cathy was recognized for his humanitarianism, philanthropy and business acumen becoming a Georgia Trustees Inductee in 2013. He was the recipient
Their behavior is modeled, they produce by example. Leaders “do” or have done what they expect of the team member; 4-people development level. Leaders recognize that their team members are the most appreciable asset in the organization, hence, recruitment is the 1st point of developing the right team. Leaders know exactly what characteristics and skills are needed in a person that will be the right “fit” for the success of the organization; and 5-The Pinnacle level, respect. People follow this leader because of “who” they are and what they have accomplished (n.p.). Without a doubt it can be said of S. Truett Cathy that he reached the pinnacle level of leadership. Maintaining integrity of character regardless of public pressure or potential profits, modeling the culture he desired to imbibe into his organization, recognizing and rewarding the talent of his employees and serving his community and others through philanthropy, honoring God and His principles for life, in all his endeavors, leaving a legacy that lives