David Grimm's Blog

October 22, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 8: KNOWLEDGE ISN’T ENOUGH

Key Thought

Knowledge is powerful, but without wisdom and understanding, it can either build your future or burn it down. What you choose to learn—and how you choose to apply it—makes all the difference.

 

The Limits of Passion and the Need for Discernment

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Follow your passion.” And yes—passion fuels curiosity, makes learning fun, and helps us stay engaged. However, passion alone won’t carry you where you need to go. Eventually, passion without wisdom becomes reckless.

That’s why Proverbs doesn’t just say “get excited”—it says:

 

“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”

‭‭—Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

 

Wisdom teaches us when to apply what we’ve learned. Understanding teaches us how things really work. Without those, you may be highly informed but dangerously directionless.

 

The Right Kind of Knowledge

Peter takes this a step further in his letter to the early Church:

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…”

—2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

 

The word “knowledge” in that verse is translated from the Greek word gnōsis, which means a deep, firsthand understanding—like a scientist who studies, observes, tests, and uncovers truths through disciplined discovery.

 

God created everything we see and interact with—and He delights when we seek to understand it! Ever have that “wow” feeling when you grasp something new? That’s built into your design.

Also, not all knowledge is equal.

Some knowledge is dangerous.

 

The Dark Side of Discovery

In my book, Unlikely Candidate, I discuss how curiosity led me down the wrong path. I wanted to learn more about the world of drugs and stealing, so I did. I discovered where to buy, how to use, and how to keep the cycle going. That knowledge almost killed me.

We live in a time where every kind of knowledge is at our fingertips—and that includes things that destroy.

 

As my friend Pastor Shawn Lyons says in The Abide Factor:

“What you feed will grow, and what you starve will die.”

The truth is: you are what you consume. Your mind, your heart, and your habits are being shaped by the knowledge you seek out. Choose wisely.

 

When Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they didn’t just learn something—they unleashed a reality that separated them from God.

All knowledge is not worth knowing.

 

Learn What You’re Called to Learn

This doesn’t mean you stop learning—it just means you stay intentional.

Don’t pursue a degree just because someone else thinks it’s the right move. Don’t follow a trend because it’s what everyone is doing. Instead, ask:

What has God placed in my heart?What do I feel truly called to learn and develop in?What knowledge will help me better serve, lead, and love others?

Wisdom isn’t just about learning more. It’s about learning what matters.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

This week, ask yourself:

🧠 What kind of knowledge have I been consuming lately?

📚 Is it producing life, growth, and wisdom—or something else?

🔍 What area of wisdom or understanding do I need to pursue more intentionally?

You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to grow in the right things.

 

My Books: 

Unlikely Candidate: https://a.co/d/5Dow4U3

The Never Ending Pursuit: https://a.co/d/6zEtbWh

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Published on October 22, 2025 10:00

October 15, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 7: EDUCATION THAT STICKS

Key Thought

Education isn’t limited to classrooms or diplomas. Real learning happens when you’re engaged, hands-on, and hungry to grow. The goal isn’t just information—it’s transformation.

 

The Real Value of Education

Let me get something off my chest: I never looked back after I graduated. No dramatic goodbyes. No reunion RSVPs. It wasn’t because I didn’t like people—I just had a stronger pull toward the future than anything I was leaving behind.

Looking back, though, I’ll admit I was wrong about one thing: education matters. Not necessarily in the sit-in-a-desk, raise-your-hand, memorize-this-fact way.

Traditional classroom models have their place. They create structure and alignment. What truly unlocks potential—especially in leaders—is experiential learning and mentorship.

 

The Power of Hands-On Learning

Let’s face it: most people don’t learn best by listening to a lecture. Just ask the frog I dissected in biology class (may he rest in peace). I can still smell the formaldehyde. Why? Because I didn’t just hear about the anatomy—I interacted with it.

That’s how the brain locks in learning.

A study from the University of Washington backs this up. Students in active learning environments (think: hands-on, discussion-based, practical application) were 1.5x less likely to fail than those stuck in traditional lecture settings.

Turns out, we retain:

90% of what we teach or apply immediately75% when we practice50% in group discussion30% from demonstrations20% from videos10% from reading5% from lecture

(Source: Sean D’Souza, “How to Retain 90% of Everything You Learn?”)

 

Passion Makes the Difference

Here’s another leadership truth: you retain what you care about.

When I discovered business management in college, I came alive. Straight A’s. Full focus. My brain was firing on all cylinders. However, throw an accounting book at me? Instant shutdown. I needed that class to graduate, but I had zero internal motivation to care—and my grades showed it.

The point? Interest fuels retention. When you’re genuinely curious about something, your brain becomes a sponge. And if you’re like me, you start telling everyone about what you’re learning—whether they asked or not (shoutout to my wife, who patiently listens anyway. Love you, Kel.)

 

Challenge & Call to Action

If you want to grow beyond your limitations, you need to lean into the way you learn best.

Ask yourself this week:

What type of learning environment helps me thrive?Am I actively pursuing hands-on growth—or just passively taking in information?What excites me to the point that I can’t stop talking about it?How can I teach or share what I’m learning to reinforce it?

 

Leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you do with what you know.



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Published on October 15, 2025 08:48

October 8, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 6: WHAT IF I STILL DON’T FEEL READY?

Key Thought

God doesn’t wait for you to feel ready to call you. He simply asks you to go—and grow as you go.

 

When the Mission Finds You

Sometimes we pursue a mission.

Other times… it finds us.

Not in the way you’d expect, either. You’re minding your own business, doing life as usual, and suddenly something begins stirring. A need, a gap, a calling—whatever you want to call it. It grabs your attention and won’t let go.

You didn’t go looking for the assignment, yet there it is. And now you’ve got a choice: ignore it, or lean in.

 

Let’s Go Back to Moses (Again)

Remember when Moses stumbled upon the burning bush?

He wasn’t on a spiritual retreat. He was herding sheep.

That’s when God dropped this leadership bomb on him:

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

(Exodus 3:10, NIV)

You know what Moses didn’t say?

“Great! I’ve been waiting for this moment!”

Instead, he panicked. He doubted. He begged God to send someone else. Five excuses in total.

And still… God didn’t take the mission away.

Why? Because God doesn’t need perfect people. He needs the present ones.

 

The Most Dangerous Thing You Can Do Is Delay

I get it—stepping out before you feel ready is terrifying.

Here’s the truth: you may never feel ready. 

What would’ve happened if Moses had waited another year? How many lives would’ve NOT been delivered had Moses waited? Waiting for a perfect moment might cost you the impact you were born to make.

How many opportunities to serve, lead, or influence are missed because we hesitate?

God knows your limitations better than you do. And He still called you.

 

Obedience > Readiness

Your job isn’t to feel confident all the time.

Your job is to say “yes” and trust that God equips those He sends.

“The Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses, I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.’”

(Exodus 33:14, NLT)

Remember, the power isn’t in your preparedness. It’s in His presence.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

This week, ask yourself:

What calling or assignment keeps resurfacing in my heart?What am I putting off because I don’t “feel ready”?What would change if I responded with obedience instead of hesitation?

Remember: delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise. Don’t wait for perfect conditions—say yes and go.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.”

‭‭(Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬, ‭NLT)‬‬

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Published on October 08, 2025 08:00

October 1, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 5: QUALIFIED FOR THE MISSION (EVEN IF YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE IT)

Key Thought

You don’t need a polished résumé to answer the call. God doesn’t wait for you to be “ready”—He qualifies you in the process.

 

When You Don’t Feel Like the Right Choice

Let’s be honest: sometimes the mission feels way bigger than we are.

We look at our past, our insecurities, our flaws—and we wonder why God would ever pick us.

That was exactly how I felt as I stepped into leadership roles I never imagined for myself. I didn’t come from a long line of business owners. I didn’t walk into leadership with a polished plan and a 5-year outlook. In fact, I spent more time looking over my shoulder, wondering when someone would realize I didn’t “belong” at the table.

Here’s what I’ve learned: God doesn’t pick people who are “perfect for the job.” He chooses people who are willing.

 

The Bible Is Full of “Unqualified” People

Let’s talk about Moses for a minute.

He was raised in privilege, committed murder, ran away, and spent 40 years tending sheep in the desert. Not exactly your top candidate to lead a national movement.

Yet, that’s who God chose.

And even when God shows up in the burning bush with the job offer, Moses gives Him a list of excuses:

“Who am I to do this?”“What if they don’t believe me?”“I’m not a good speaker.”

Have you ever been there? Thinking of all the reasons why you’re not the right one?

God didn’t debate Moses. He simply said:

“I will be with you.”

(Exodus 3:12 NLT)

That’s the game-changer. It’s not about who you are—it’s about who’s with you.

 

Maybe You’re Exactly Who God’s Looking For

Maybe God has been shaping your story in quiet ways.

Through the failures.

Through the doubts.

Through the weird detours and winding paths.

He’s not after your polished image. He’s after your surrendered heart.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

If you’re hesitating to lead, ask yourself:

What lies am I believing about my own qualifications?Where have I disqualified myself when God hasn’t?What’s one area I can step forward in obedience—even if I feel underqualified?

You don’t need to be “enough” on your own. You need to trust the One who is.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

—2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)

 

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Published on October 01, 2025 10:00

September 10, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 4: DON’T IGNORE THE WARNING LIGHTS

Key Thought

Leaders break down when they ignore the signs. If you want to go the distance, you can’t afford to run on empty.

 

Your Soul Has a Dashboard

Recently, Forbes posted a stat that caught my eye:

➡ Half of drivers ignore at least one dashboard warning light.

➡ One in five drives with their check engine light on.

Those warning lights don’t appear for no reason. While some of them might just mean your gas cap is loose… others could mean your engine is about to blow.

Now here’s the part that hits deeper: most of us lead our lives the exact same way.

We see the signs.

We feel the strain.

Yet we keep going, hoping things fix themselves.

 

Your Body Keeps the Score

Fatigue. Cynicism. Short tempers. Brain fog. Disengagement.

These aren’t just quirks—they’re dashboard lights.

When we neglect rest, spiritual alignment, and personal growth, we drift. Slowly. Quietly. Until we hit a wall. That wall might look like burnout. Or compromise. Or a complete loss of joy.

To lead beyond your limitations, you’ve got to get honest about your internal condition.

 

Even Jesus Stepped Away

If anyone had reason to keep going nonstop, it was Jesus. Even He regularly stepped away to pray, recharge, and reconnect with the Father (see Luke 5:16). He wasn’t being unproductive—He was being wise.

Jesus knew what we often forget:

👉 You can’t pour from an empty cup.

And just like a car in need of an oil change, the longer you delay personal maintenance, the greater the damage.

 

Why This Matters

Leadership is demanding. People need your best energy, focus, and compassion. And while God can multiply what you have, He won’t force you to stop and rest.

I’m an introverted extrovert. I love being around people—but if I don’t intentionally carve out time to recharge, pray, read, or write, I start running on fumes. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that reflection and rest aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

 

Here’s What’s Coming

Throughout the writings in my new book, we’ll get practical. We’ll talk about:

Staying spiritually aligned with your callingBuilding habits that renew your energy and mindsetThe importance of solitude and trusted advisorsLearning from failure and the power of humilityWhen you’ve done all you can—and there’s nothing more you can do

You’ll walk away with tools to extend your reach, impact, and effectiveness… especially when you feel limited.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

This week, check your warning lights.

🛠 What signs of fatigue or stress are you ignoring?

🛠 What rhythms of rest, prayer, or reflection need to be re-established?

🛠 Are you stewarding your internal life as carefully as your leadership responsibilities?

Don’t wait for the breakdown. Maintain the machine.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

—Luke 5:16 (NIV)


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Published on September 10, 2025 09:26

September 3, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 3: LEADERSHIP IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY OF TRUST

Key Thought

Leadership isn’t something you master once and move on from—it’s a lifelong journey of trusting God in the unknown and growing beyond what you thought possible. There’s no summit to this mountain, just one faithful step after another.

 

New Levels Mean New Limitations

Every time you grow as a leader, you’ll hit a new ceiling. That’s not failure—it’s the sign you’re right where you should be. With every promotion, every new responsibility, every bold yes… comes a fresh opportunity to trust God for what’s next.

That’s why leadership isn’t just about tactics—it’s about transformation.

“In each phase of life, as you ascend in leadership, new trials will emerge. Each lesson in your leadership odyssey will be a stepping stone, but remember, you will never fully reach the pinnacle in this mortal realm.”

In other words: you’re never “done.” There will always be new challenges, and with them, there will always be new grace.

 

When You Hit the Wall

Eventually, you’ll hit the edge of what you can handle. You’ll feel out of ideas, out of strength, and maybe even out of faith. When you reach the boundary of your ability, God invites you to rely on His.

You must trust God to take you into the unknown, to help you be strong and courageous, and to step out into new territory. This is where Leadership Beyond Limitations truly begins—at the end of your strength, and the beginning of His.

 

The Fuel You Need for the Road Ahead

Paul, writing to the Philippian believers, reminds us where our strength actually comes from:

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

—Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Not some things. Everything.

Whether you’re walking into a room full of people you don’t feel ready to lead, or staring at a decision that’s too big for your brain to process, Christ’s strength is available. Right now. Right where you are.

 

So… What Does It Look Like to Lead Beyond Your Limits?

It looks like stepping forward even when your knees are shaking.

It looks like praying, “God, I don’t know what I’m doing… but You do. Show me.”

It looks like embracing the discomfort of growth, trusting that God will use it to shape you into the leader He’s called you to be.

And it looks like inviting others to grow with you. Because the best leaders don’t just lead past their limitations—they lead others through theirs too.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

Ask yourself this week:

Where have I hit a wall in my leadership?What’s one area I need to stop relying on myself and start trusting God?Who around me needs to be reminded that growth is possible—especially when it’s uncomfortable?

You don’t need all the answers. You just need the courage to take the next step.

Next Up: Don’t Ignore the Warning Lights

 

Scriptural Foundation

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NLT)



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Published on September 03, 2025 12:17

August 27, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS — PART 2: WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE A FRAUD, LEAD ANYWAY

Key Thought

At some point in your leadership journey, you’ll feel like you’re in over your head. That moment isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—it’s a sign you’re growing. The question isn’t whether you’ll feel fear or doubt; it’s whether you’ll lead anyway.

 

The Leadership Legacy of Moses and Joshua

If anyone ever felt ill-equipped, it was Moses. He had a resume that read more like a cautionary tale than a job application: former prince, murderer, runaway, and desert shepherd. Not exactly the kind of background that screams “deliverer of nations.”

Yet God chose him. Why? Because God knew that Moses didn’t need to be perfect—he just needed to be willing.

When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3–4), Moses had a laundry list of reasons why he wasn’t the guy:

“What if they don’t believe me?”“I’m not a good speaker.”“Please send someone else.”

Sound familiar?

God didn’t back down. He didn’t need Moses to be the hero—He just needed him to trust. And when Moses finally did, history was changed forever.

Fast forward 40 years. Moses is gone. Joshua, his apprentice, is now the leader. The Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land, and the weight of responsibility is enormous. That’s why 

God reminds him again and again:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

The same is true for you. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the One who does.

 

Leading Something New? You’re in Good Company

When God asks you to lead something significant—especially something that’s never been done before—it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Just ask Timothy.

In the New Testament, Paul writes to this young leader who’s been tasked with building and leading one of the very first Christian churches. Talk about pressure. And he was young. People questioned his qualifications.

In this moment, Paul gives him a powerful word of encouragement:

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers… Do not neglect the gift that is in you… Give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”

—1 Timothy 4:12–15 (NKJV)

That gift inside you? It was put there for a purpose. The more you practice it, the more progress you’ll see—not just in yourself, but in the people around you.

 

When You Don’t Know the Way, Trust the One Who Does

Maybe you’ve found yourself leading a new team, stepping into a new role, or guiding others through uncertainty. And perhaps you feel totally lost.

You’re not alone.

Years ago, my wife’s cousin Jamie shared a story I’ll never forget. She and her young son, Gage, were driving and got lost in a rough part of town. Nervous, crying, and unsure, she told him, “Mommy is lost.”

Gage looked at her and said, “Don’t worry, Mommy—Jesus knows where we are.”

Let that sink in. You may feel lost, but you are never out of His sight.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

Leadership begins when excuses end.

This week, ask yourself:

Where am I holding back because I feel unqualified?What would it look like to lead anyway?Am I willing to trust that God knows where I am—and where He’s taking me?

You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you do have to show up with courage and faith.

 

Scriptural Foundation

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

—James 1:5 (NLT)



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Published on August 27, 2025 09:28

August 20, 2025

LEADERSHIP BEYOND LIMITATIONS SERIES: THE CALL TO STEP UP

A Letter to Future Leaders (Including My Kids)

 

Key Thought

If you feel underqualified or overwhelmed by the thought of leadership… you’re in the right place.

To my children—Tenley, Asher, Hallie, and Sadie—and to anyone who wonders if they have what it takes to lead: This journey is for you.

I’ve faced plenty of hurdles trying to become a better leader. I still do. That’s why I wrote Leadership Beyond Limitations—not just as a leadership manual, but as a guide for anyone who wants to grow and lead others into something better. I haven’t released the book yet, but I’m sharing my writings with all of you first. The ones who have faithfully shown up to do the work day after day, even when it didn’t make sense.

I share this now to encourage you to keep pressing forward when you feel like you can’t keep going.

The truth is, we all hit the wall.

We all doubt.

And many of us face something called Impostor Syndrome.

 

What Is Impostor Syndrome?

It’s that inner voice whispering:

“You’re not ready.”“You don’t belong here.”“They’re going to find out you’re not as good as they think you are.”

It shows up when:

You downplay your accomplishments.You fear being “found out.”You overwork to prove your worth.

It’s not a mental illness, but it sure is a mental battle.

Here’s the good news: If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Most high achievers do. Your calling to lead isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being obedient. It’s about stewarding what God has placed in you.

Paul’s words in Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) say it clearly:

“If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.”

 

The Gift of Leadership Needs Practice

Like any gift, leadership isn’t mastered overnight. You get better by doing the hard stuff—studying, trying, failing, learning, and trying again. You don’t have to know everything before you take the first step. You just need to trust that God knows—and He’ll equip you along the way.

 

Just Ask Joshua

Before he ever led anyone, Joshua watched Moses perform miracles. Then, when it came time for Joshua to lead on his own, it took courage—a lot of it.

So God told him in Joshua 1:9 (NLT):

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

You don’t need a title to start leading. You just need courage and a willingness to trust God in the unknown.

 

Next Content: When You Feel Like a Fraud—Lead Anyway

We’ll dive into how Moses wrestled with insecurity, fled to the desert, and still became one of the most powerful leaders in history… not because he was perfect, but because he was willing.



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Published on August 20, 2025 13:38

July 16, 2025

CULTURE SERIES: A BRIGHTER FUTURE — WHAT PROMISES HAVE YOU MADE TO YOUR TEAM?

Key Thought

What promises are you delivering to your team? Have you made any? Have you ever shared what they can expect when they come to work for you? These were the same questions I discovered and wrestled with within the first three years of running our restaurant.

Learning from The New Gold Standard

Our Hospitality team read “The New Gold Standard ” by Joseph A. Michelli, which explores the Ritz-Carlton’s legendary approach to service and culture. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about intentionality. The Ritz doesn’t just serve guests; it serves its people through clarity, consistency, and deeply held values.

One of the key takeaways is that culture is built through promises kept. Ritz-Carlton doesn’t leave its employee experience to chance. They crafted an employer promise—a clear statement of what every team member can expect when they join the organization.

That challenged us to ask:

If we want to paint a brighter future for our team, what exactly are we promising to deliver?

The “Grow U.” Employer Promise

We realized that to paint a brighter future, we had to get busy crafting a promise—a vision for what we want to, can and will deliver when someone joins our team. Here’s what that looks like at a high level:

http://growuniversitychickfila.com

“GROW U.” — A Brighter Future Starts Here

(U. is short for “University,” a play on words for our University Ave. location.)

THE JOURNEY OF 1,000 MILES BEGINS WITH ONE STEP.

At Chick-fil-A University Ave (IA), we’ll ensure that the first step is the right one.

 

WE EQUIP FOR NOW & YOUR FUTURE

Our “Level Up” training system is a roadmap that clearly outlines what you need to do to take ownership of your growth and future. Be given a clearly defined path for growth and success.

WE INVEST IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT

Gain one-on-one development with leaders, participate in group settings, and receive ongoing training.

You’ll gain life skills transferable to any field. Chick-fil-A team members are among the most sought-after employees across various professions.

We help you reach your personal goals through group settings, ongoing training, and one-on-one time with leaders to plan for your future.

WE LISTEN TO YOU

We value your feedback. We even pay you for great ideas through our Ideas Bonus! If we aren’t meeting your expectations, we want to know so we can do something about it.

Take our detailed Team Member Engagement Survey so we can identify areas for improvement.

WE REWARD YOUR HARD WORK

We believe in taking care of our team. You’ll receive some of the most sought-after benefits in any profession. As you progress in your development, we reward you quickly and often.

Reviews are held at 30 days, 90 days, six months, and yearly. You’ll also receive rewards daily with our “Cluck Buck” system and have the opportunity to “Level Up” even sooner than the review periods. The opportunity is in your hands!

WE LAUNCH YOUR CAREER PATH

If you have the drive and determination, we will help propel you toward a remarkable future.

 

Challenge & Call to Action

 

What deliverables are you providing to your team for a brighter future?

They’re not just looking for a job—they’re looking for someone who can help them discover what’s possible and who can actually deliver on it.

What’s your “Employer promise?”

What would a brighter future look like at your organization?]

Have you made it clear—and are you following through on it?

Next Up: We’ll dive deeper into each of the five “Grow U.” deliverables and share why we chose them as the foundation of our brighter future promise.



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Published on July 16, 2025 11:31

July 9, 2025

CULTURE SERIES: CELEBRATING PEAK MOMENTS — MAKING THE EVERYDAY EXTRAORDINARY

Key Thought

Maya Angelou famously said,

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Culture is built on these emotional moments. And if we’re not creating them on purpose, we risk leading a team that feels overlooked and undervalued.

Why Peak Moments Matter

If you read the last post, you’ll remember that we highlighted ‘The Power of Moments ‘ by Chip and Dan Heath. Their research found that the most defining, memorable experiences fall into four categories:

Elevation: Moments that rise above the everyday.Insight: Moments that shift how someone sees themselves or the world.Pride: Moments that recognize achievement.Connection: Moments that deepen relationships.

These peak moments don’t happen by accident. They’re engineered by leaders who care enough to pause, notice, and act.

The Culture Calendar — Your Cheat Code to Intentionality

Let’s be honest—life is busy. In the middle of drive-thru rushes, broken equipment, and never-ending schedules, it’s easy to let celebration fall through the cracks.

That’s why we built a Culture Calendar—a 12-month game plan to help us care for our team with rhythm and consistency. It includes:

Monthly Employee Appreciation treatsBirthday & Work Anniversary celebrationsSurprise & delight moments tied to holidays or quirky national daysShout-outs for living out our core behaviors and team values

We don’t just react to culture—we create it.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

One of our most practical and powerful tools is the “Cluck Buck” reward system.

Every day, leaders are empowered to “catch people doing what’s right.” Whether it’s an exceptional guest interaction, a teammate going above and beyond, or someone simply showing up with a great attitude—those moments get rewarded in real time.

Team members can collect their digital Cluck Bucks and redeem them for real rewards, like:

Chick-fil-A swagPaid days offDinner out with familyAnd more

We’re not just managing performance—we’re celebrating it. Cluck Bucks keep us on the offense, building a culture of positive reinforcement instead of relying on correction after the fact.

Challenge & Call to Action

How are you creating peak moments for your team?

This week, choose one:

✅ Catch a team member doing something great and reward them on the spot

✅ Start your own version of a culture calendar with small, recurring rhythms

Culture doesn’t drift when leaders stay intentional. Make today a moment worth remembering.

 

Next Up: A Brighter Future- What promises have you made to your team?

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

—Philippians 2:4 (ESV)



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Published on July 09, 2025 08:04