Ray Kroc believed in what he called the three-legged stool. The success of the company is based on the three legs of the organization: owner/operators, employees, and suppliers. All three legs need to be happy and they need to work together.
Firstly, the simple fact that so many major McDonald’s suppliers so warmly and openly welcomed us into the heart of their organizations over this past year shows the level of commitment to their leg of the stool. It has been no holds barred: we have asked them tough questions, looked in every corner of their factories, and told the whole world what we saw!
Secondly, we meet several owner/operators who were working in their stores to make their leg of the stool a success. In Edmonton, we met the owner/operator, who gave us a tour of his newly renovated store, he has worked at McDonald’s for umpteen years, he even met is wife at McDonald’s. In New Brunswick, the onsite owner operator proudly prepared us our McCafé selections. And, during McHappy Day 2009, the owner/operator of my neighborhood McDonald’s was ecstatic to have me on board for my volunteer shift.
Finally, the employees…OMG!
Loreena, Store Manager in Toronto was so committed to her checklist and quality control. Actually, she has no choice… if she takes too long getting it done or misses a step, her superior gets a message on her cell.
Dan, Training Manager at Hamburger University started as crew and worked up to this prestige role.
Christine, Senior Director of Operations, started as a crew member over 26 years ago and now runs the International Innovation Center in Chicago.
And, Terry, worked at McDonald’s for a zillion years, he even worked at opening the stores in Russia… he is actually retired now, but he stills works “part-time” on a couple of “little” projects, like the McDonald’s restaurants for the Olympic Village in 2010.
So many people working to make the McDonald’s experience the best… everyday, every time, everywhere.
Ray Kroc’s motto is still alive and strong at McDonald’s!