Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned at Chick-fil-A

Back in October I felt very strongly that God was calling me to leave my job, and apply elsewhere. Through a series of events I ended up applying for Chick-fil-A. After 8 months there, I can honestly say that everything I really need to know I learned at Chick-fil-A.



Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And how to lead and how to treat others
I learned at Chick-fil-A.

Success was not found with the greatest job title
But rather at the entry-level
Sharing lunch breaks with your team members
And laughing at customers' strange requests

These are the things I learned:

Laugh frequently
Learn constantly
Listen to others
Don't give out 30 sauces for an 8 count nugget

Clean up your messes
Cheer each other on
Be a friend
Don't make shakes the day after you do laundry

Make smart choices
Admit when you haven't
Put others' needs above your own
Don't pour lemon juice in the lemonade dispenser

Jump in and help no matter whose job it is
Take initiative
Speak with kindness
Eat a warm cookie at the end of a hard shift

Lead like a servant
Don't place blame
Do what's best for your team, even when it's what's hardest for you
Let the customer be right, even when you know they aren't

Laugh with your coworkers
Share miseries with your coworkers
Call your coworkers friends
Because at the end of the day, you'll realize that somewhere along the way - between the angry guests, the parts of your job you thought you hated, and the days that felt like they would never end - you've made true friends


When I started at Chick-fil-A 8 months ago I was told by our store operator that Chick-fil-A wants to help people grow in their careers, whether that means careers within the company or outside. I was told that he would do everything he could to help me grow and become a better worker, and use those skills to move up in the store or move out to some other calling. After 8 wonderful and crazy months I am moving on to work in a church once again, but with so many more skills than I had before. I am going to be a different children's director than before, this time shaped by the selfless leadership and desire for excellence that I experienced in my time at Chick-fil-A. Everything I learned there has helped me become a better person and leader, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.