Creating Your Vision: A Lesson from McDonalds (2024)

• View Larger Image

The initial vision of a good hamburger restaurant belonged to Dick and Mac McDonald, the two brothers who opened the first Golden arches hamburger stand in San Bernardino, CA in 1948. But, it was Ray Kroc, a man who sold Multi-mixer machines to the restaurant who was most impressed by the constant traffic around the McDonald brothers’ hamburger stand. Kroc figured out that it was NOT quality alone, but consistency – the ability to become efficient and profitable by doing the same things the same way over and over – that was making the McDonald’s succeed.

In 1954, Kroc convinced the McDonald brothers to let him sell franchises and over time, he built the company into the multi-billion dollar enterprise that it is today. He had a vision for a restaurant system that would be famous for providing food of consistently high quality and for its uniform methods of preparation. Kroc’s success was based on his vision to serve burgers, buns, fries, and beverages that tasted the same in Alaska as they did in Alabama.

Here areFOUR TIPSTO CREATEYOUR VISION:

1. KEEP THE VISION SIMPLE
Your vision should be simple and straightforward so that others can understand and rally around it. When you complicate things you could negatively impact your vision and ability to turn it into a reality. Keep your vision simple and focused on something that drives your passion or dedication.

2. MAKE THE VISION ACHIEVABLE
Your vision must be able to become reality. Don’t make it unachievable. If it is too far out of reach, you risk burn-out which makes the incentive less valuable. Challenge yourself, but set a realistic goal.

3. BUILD A GREAT TEAM
Your team must move a vision from concept to execution. Make sure you pick trustworthy people who share the same values and vision as you.

4. DEVELOP A CLEAR, ACTIONABLE PLAN
Millions of visions are created with even more ideas generated, but few plans get built and fewer are executed. Develop a clear, actionable plan with deadlines and team accountability that is consistent with and supports your vision.

Be inspired by Ray Kroc as you build your own leadership skills and create your vision. Kroc’s passion for innovation and efficiency drove his success because he had a simple, achievable goal with a great team and a clear, actionable plan. While he chose a unique path at the time, he achieved success by persuading both franchisees and suppliers to buy into his vision. What path can you create to achieve your vision?

Learn more about the velocityHUB Performance Corporate Programs and ourOpen Enrollment Academies for Executives, Leaders, and Emerging Leaders. Contact Chris Williams atchris@velocityhub.comor call 603.402.1712