Not only did Truett build one of the largest fast food
organizations on the planet. Not only
was he married for 65 years and developed a strong and thriving family. Not only did Truett, give millions of dollars
away to build a better world. He also
gifted us with a strong model of leadership; a legacy to emulate. This post is
simply a quick highlight reel….
Leadership is Discipleship – Truett, admitted that he “wasn’t
all that bright” and “had difficulty keeping up in class” but he became a
life-long learner (Think and Grow Rich, Cathy, 2000, pg. 32). He was devoted to
developing and discipling his store operators, explaining that “our commitment
is going to be like a marriage without consideration of divorce (Eat more
Chicken, Cathy, 2002, pg. 88). His mental
model of a mentor was shaped early by his Sunday school teacher who reached out
to him and became a model of a loving father to him, filling in the gap left
void by his own father (2002, pp. 29-30).
Leadership Requires Conviction – It’s well known that
closing your stores on Sunday goes strongly against the grain of capitalism and
our culture, but Truett held to his convictions. In 1982, a major mall
developer tried to get Truett to change his policy by offering to donate money
to a church. Truett graciously declined
stating that “we cannot compromise on certain principles” (It’s Easier to
Succeed than Fail, Cathy, 1989, pg. 76).
Leadership is Humility - Truett was a wealthy and powerful
businessman but never acted like it. He chose humility. At Chick-fil-A,
everyone is on a first name basis, including Truett and his family. For many
summers at WinShape Camp
for Boys, Truett would
teach during the Sunday worship service and his theme was consistently “I am
third.” It is the way that Truett lived: God is first, others are second, and I
am third. (http://philipnation.net/2014/09/truett-cathy-and-a-life-lived-well/)
Leadership is Costly – Who can forget the national firestorm
that broke out in July of 2012, when Truett’s views on gay-marriage took center
stage? The vicious and personal attacks
on Truett were no doubt painful and difficult. He endured much criticism over
the years for his strong stance on Biblical values. Yet, he stood firm, didn’t waver, as he paid
the price.
Leadership is Love – Married for over 65 years, Truett was
committed to his family and to others. “Nearly
every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone
else – our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in
giving when I did not expect anything in return.” Truett
For more on his life, check out a few of his books.
