February 26th, 2018

Growing Pains 

“It is fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” -Bill Gates

There is not one human on earth who is immune to failure. Sure, living life under the radar, not taking any risks may result in less failure, but no great man or woman ever “played it safe” when it came to their journey of success.


At my job, there is one person in particular, who started off under the radar, not taking risks and simply trying to get by, but took his inadequacy and used it as motivation to be the best version of himself.


Meet Ricky. The quiet, straight-faced 18 year old. Starting his very first job at Chick-fil-A in February of 2016.


Although Ricky had the hard work ethic, he didn't have the “Chick-fil-A persona.”


Cheery, enthusiastic, chicken-loving folks who have a passion for serving and building connections. This is Chick-fil-A.


So… how does a timid, first-time employee learn to embody this Chick-fil-A character?


Well, Ricky stepped out of his comfort zone. Living 18 years as an introverted talk-oriented person, Ricky had to muster up the courage to change who he had always been.


Rather than backing away from the challenge, Ricky embraced it.


Mustering up the courage and confidence to become the extroverted, “people person” that Chick-fil-A needed him to be.


Once the straight-faced 18 year-old who was comfortable being an introvert, became a 2-time employee of the month, being promoted from team member to trainer, and from trainer to supervisor.


Ricky embodies what it means to succeed. Because success isn't starting at the top and staying there. Success is starting from the bottom, facing adversity, and using your weaknesses to motivate you.


After persistence, hard work and a determined spirit, anything can be accomplished.


Ricky is just one of the many team members who has shown his grit.
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The undying spirit to achieve, lead and succeed.


This, is Chick-fil-A.