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Chris Kempczinski

McDonald's, CEO
EPISODE 117

Make key strategies memorable

I gotta make a little confession. Back when I was the CEO of Yum! Brands, my team and I would do what we called McDonald’s Immersion Days. We just went into McDonald’s restaurants for the whole day and observed all the smart things they were doing. Then we’d figure out how we could make those smart ideas work at KFC, Taco Bell, or Pizza Hut. That’s just how much we admired McDonald’s.

These days, McDonald’s is still at the top of their game – and I’m honored to have McDonald’s President and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, joining me today. As you’ll hear in this conversation, Chris leads in the real world. He’s not the kind of guy who’s just locked away in an office lost in data and paperwork and big-picture strategies. In fact, he believes that your strategies really don’t count for much unless they’re actually showing up in the day-to-day operation of your business. And when you listen to this conversation, you will learn a LOT about how to take a smart strategy and then actually make it memorable and easy for everyone to implement. 

So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Chris Kempczinski.

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More from Chris Kempczinski

Take risks to fight complacency
Success can breed complacency. Even if things are going well, don’t get comfortable. You need that hungry mindset to keep innovating and growing.
Prioritize connection in times of crisis
When things go wrong, your people need to hear from their leader. In times of crisis, leaders need to step up and unite their team to solve whatever big challenge they face.
You are what you settle for
Mediocre goals get mediocre results. Instead, set the bar high. Even if you fall short, those higher expectations will bring out the best in you and your team.
Build for customer satisfaction, not just operational efficiency
What's easier for your team to execute isn't always what's best for your customer. But prioritizing your customer's preferences and finding a way to make the operations work will lead to higher customer satisfaction.
Know when a new strategy is actually required
In a new leadership position? Don’t assume you need to roll out a new strategy, too. Let the business situation dictate big strategic shifts, not a leadership change.
Manage your own brand
When other people talk about your work, what do you want them to say? Be aware of what you’re known for, because it will have a massive impact on the opportunities that come your way.
Balance anecdotal information with big-picture data
Instead of dismissing anecdotes as one-off stories, pay attention to them. They’ll help you interpret data and make better decisions.

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Clips

  • Know when a new strategy is actually required
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • How to have a successful site visit
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • You don’t have to be tech-savvy to lead technology strategy
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Make your strategy clear and memorable
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Take risks to fight complacency
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Balance anecdotal information with big-picture data
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Lean into tension in your marketing
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Build for customer satisfaction, not just operational efficiency
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Prioritize connection in times of crisis
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • You are what you settle for
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Don't put short-term success before long-term relationships
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Use recognition as a source of motivation
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO
  • Manage your own brand within an organization
    Chris Kempczinski
    Chris Kempczinski
    McDonald's, CEO

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