As we step into the new year, brimming with fresh energy and a reinvigorated focus on growth, I want to seize this moment to shed light on the driving force behind our vision. The story I’m about to share, originally imparted to me at a leadership conference by Andy Stanley, reshaped my perception of success and has since remained a guiding principle of my leadership journey. I hope that my retelling does justice to the tale.
Our narrative unfolds within the confines of the Chick-Fil-A boardroom in Atlanta, Georgia, during the mid-1990s. Seated around an elongated table were several executives, engrossed in a spirited debate regarding the company’s future. At that time, Chick-Fil-A’s primary competitor was Boston Market, both offering similar products. Boston Market had unveiled an ambitious expansion plan, aiming to surpass a billion dollars in sales by the year 2000.
The audacious expansion plans of their rival had cast a shadow of apprehension over Chick-Fil-A’s leadership. The debate of the day revolved around how to get bigger, how to grow. If their chief competitor was setting its sights on such remarkable growth, the fear loomed that Chick-Fil-A might fade into obscurity among fast-casual diners. A plethora of strategies were presented and deliberated upon during that pivotal meeting.
At the far end of the table sat S. Truett Cathy, the visionary founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, who appeared somewhat disengaged for most of the meeting. Then, in a sudden and impactful moment, he slammed his fist onto the table and persisted until the room fell silent.
All eyes were fixed on him as he began to speak. “You’ve been preoccupied with the notion of making Chick-Fil-A bigger, with growth as your primary goal. But you’re focusing on the wrong target. Instead, we should be concentrating on how to make our company better. If we excel in every aspect, our customers will demand that we grow, and expansion will happen organically.”
These words charted a new course for the company from that point onwards. Chick-Fil-A shifted its focus towards measuring its restaurants and enhancing every facet of its business. The obsession with sheer growth gradually waned, replaced by a newfound dedication to quality.
Truett Cathy’s pivotal decision resonates with the ethos of Solid Security | Technology today. He chose quality over rapid expansion, firmly believing that enhancing every aspect of the business would naturally lead to growth. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Solid Security’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and a client-centric approach.
At Solid, our emphasis isn’t solely on growth, but on nurturing talent, harnessing technology, and continually refining our methods – principles that Truett Cathy lived by. His unwavering commitment to quality over quantity and his dedication to enhancing the customer experience echo Solid’s mission of forging a safer, more secure world through high-quality solutions and professional service.
Just as Cathy’s approach propelled Chick-Fil-A to remarkable success, Solid Security’s adherence to these values paves the way for a future where safety and security aren’t just guaranteed but continually elevated. This synergy of visions underscores the significance of staying true to core values, ensuring that growth is not only meaningful but sustainable.
Shane Sullivan, CEO
Solid Security | Technology
