HERBISM #101 – Great Leaders Allow Some Fat

Tachometers are a very helpful tool to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

If short term effectiveness is all that mattered operators would run engines at or near their redlines.

If efficiency is all that mattered operators would run their engines at or near idle.

For peak performance great operators understand that somewhere between idle and redline is optimal, with increases and reductions relative to specific requirements.

The reality is that every engine has a range of performance depending on what the operator wants to accomplish and the operator must make choices as to when to idle, when to increase revolutions, and when to push the limits.

One thing that all operators intuitively understand is that running an engine at its limits is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

According to an article in Harvard Health Publishing (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good), a publication of Harvard Medical School, your body needs some fat from food. Fat is a major source of energy. It helps you absorb some vitamins and minerals. Fat is needed to build cell membranes, the vital exterior of each cell, and the sheaths surrounding nerves. It is essential for blood clotting, muscle movement, and inflammation.

Further, according to an article in Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321612.php), being underweight can represent as many health concerns to an individual as being overweight can. If a person is underweight, their body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to build healthy bones, skin, and hair.

Some of the following risks of being underweight for people can also apply to business:

Skin, hair, or teeth problems
Getting sick frequently
Feeling tired all the time
Anemia (leading to dizziness, headaches, and fatigue)
Slow or impaired growth

Recently I facilitated a culture tour at the Chick-fil-A Support Center (aka Corporate Headquarters) in Atlanta, GA with fourteen leaders from one of my client dealerships. The Backstage Tour was incredibly impressive and we were all struck with the intentionality of this highly successful family-owned organization.

The Support Center is home to 1,800 Chick-fil-A Team Members (aka employees). During the tour one of the participants commented that Chick-fil-A would probably be able to do what it does with 10% less staff in the Support Center. This comment got me thinking…actually questioning whether Chick-fil-A could execute the same formula and achieve the same results with 10% less staff.

Sure the Chick-fil-A Support Center could function with 10% less staff. They would seemingly be more efficient, but would they be as effective?

Chick-fil-A could also eliminate the free lunch that they serve to their 1,800 team members every day. Further, they could also increase the rate they charge team member for child care in their onsite facility that currently cares for 650 children at a rate of only $13/day. There are many things Chick-fil-A could do to reduce costs [and increase profits], but at what cost?

I believe that one of the reasons why Chick-fil-A has been so successful is that they have are very intentional about their ‘formula’ and they are not willing to compromise just to make additional short-term profits.

Chick-fil-A is in it for the long haul and to achieve more than just profits for the Cathy family. At the core of their philosophy is care—for both their guests (aka customers) and team members. And, as a result of sticking to their formula they not only enjoy an incredible loyal following of guests in their restaurants, but an industry leading retention of team members (98% at their Support Center).

So, when it comes to long-term sustainable growth great leaders understand that some fat is a good thing.