Chick-fil-A is a place where I get comfort food. I’ve watched the company grow through the years and admire the culture they’ve created.

I heard a story recently that made me understand. Pastor Rick Warren was telling about a trip he made with Dan Cathy, the President and COO of Chick-fil-A.

Warren said that they had been out visiting some ministry sites. When it became lunchtime, they stopped at a Taco Bell. Before eating they freshened up in the men’s room.

Warren said before they left, Cathy took down extra paper towels and cleaned the sinks!

Warren acknowledged the powerful impression that left. The COO of a massive fast food chain quietly cleaning the bathroom of a competitor.

“We teach our staff to try to leave every situation they encounter better than they found it.”

Cathy walks the talk.

Leadership speaker and author John Maxwell said that leaders find a way to add value every day. I liked that goal when I heard it.

Cathy raises the bar. He challenges his team to add value in every situation. He’s conditioned himself to be like that. His team follows suit.

Impressive indeed!