Chick-fil-A Leader Shares Leadership

Jimmy Collins, former president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A was a recent guest at the Summit Series Speakers Luncheon here in NWA.  Born in an unpainted share-cropper house in the middle of cotton fields, Jimmy Collins dreamed of becoming an executive. His story of the pathway he discovered for the realization of that dream is told in his book, In the Shadow of Greatness. He named that pathway Creative Followership. Jimmy is certain that anyone can use his Creative Followership Principles for their own journey to success and satisfaction.

From his first job of delivering groceries on a bicycle at 12 years old, to establishing his own business as a commercial kitchen design consultant, to his 32 year career with Chick-fil-A, Inc., he learned and applied the principles that you also can learn.

He shared his thoughts on success and leadership. 

Here are a few of the key principles:

• Choose Your Boss
• Know Your Boss
• Do What Your Boss Doesn't Like to Do
• Do What Your Boss Doesn't Do Well
• Make Your Boss Look Good
• Take Responsibility
• Help Your Boss Succeed
• Learn to Say NO
• Do More Than Expected
• Do the Dirty and Difficult Jobs
• Take Risks

Four criteria that Jimmy set for a boss that he would work for include the following:

1. Jimmy would not work for someone who was a lesser performer than himself.
2. He would only work for someone he he could respect, look up to, and learn from.
3. He would only work for someone who's building or growing something 
4.  Finally, Jimmy would only work for someone who let him make decisions and value his input.

Great information sharing by someone who helped build the best customer service in the fast food industy.