I like companies who stand by their values. I seek them out to learn about them, meet their leaders, understand their cultures, and identify how other companies could emulate them. Chick-fil-A has been a company I've admired because it openly expresses and endorses Christian values. In a time when most companies turn themselves inside-out to be politically correct, Chick-fil-A does not. They proclaim their Christian values loudly and proudly. I've referred to them as being All-In many times in presentations.
But, has their outward Christian appearance been a ruse? Do the Christian values genuinely matter, or is the chain really just focused on the chicken change? The chain's response to the current controversy will shed light on the answers to those questions.
At first, I thought what he said was not surprising considering the history of the company and how open it is about its Bible-basis. A southern company based on the Bible favors traditional marriage over gay marriage--not surprising, not noteworthy.
What is a disappointing surprise is how opposite the company's actions are with regard to its corporate purpose. Cathy said the corporate purpose is to "glorify God and be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and have a positive influence on all that come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
It turns out, Chick-fil-A does not care to have a positive influence on all that come in contact with it. The company does not simply support traditional family values, it reportedly actively campaigns against nontraditional families and gay people. There are reports of millions of dollars in donations from the company toward anti-gay groups.
Cathy's comments and Chick-fil-A's dedication toward the anti-gay movement are not aligned with the stated corporate purpose. Clearly, they are not concerned with "all that come in contact with Chick-fil-A." He and the company are concerned with all non-gay people who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Cathy said, "...thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles." Someone check the good book, but I'm pretty sure the most important Bible principle is about loving God. Isn't the second one about loving your neighbor? I'm starting to wonder if the chicken chief's company is just pandering to the Bible-loving south by openly proclaiming it is based on Christian values but only living by the ones it finds convenient.
Please note, I don't care whether the company is in favor of traditional marriage. I care that they proclaim to be one thing but are showing they are something else. That's it. My issue has nothing to do with sexuality, marriage, or religion. My issue is with honesty, with Chick-fil-A's behavior (including the COO's flippant attitude) and purpose being out of alignment, and with the company invoking Christian values while supporting groups opposed to them.
I like companies who stand by their values. I just won't be using Chick-fil-A as an example of one any more.
I wonder how KFC and the other chicken chains will respond to the Chick-fil-A controversy? I'd advise them to beef up their customer service training, keep their restaurants clean, and not say a word about the gays. After all, actions speak louder than words. I think that's in the Bible somewhere too.
Cathy's comments and Chick-fil-A's dedication toward the anti-gay movement are not aligned with the stated corporate purpose. Clearly, they are not concerned with "all that come in contact with Chick-fil-A." He and the company are concerned with all non-gay people who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Cathy said, "...thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles." Someone check the good book, but I'm pretty sure the most important Bible principle is about loving God. Isn't the second one about loving your neighbor? I'm starting to wonder if the chicken chief's company is just pandering to the Bible-loving south by openly proclaiming it is based on Christian values but only living by the ones it finds convenient.
Please note, I don't care whether the company is in favor of traditional marriage. I care that they proclaim to be one thing but are showing they are something else. That's it. My issue has nothing to do with sexuality, marriage, or religion. My issue is with honesty, with Chick-fil-A's behavior (including the COO's flippant attitude) and purpose being out of alignment, and with the company invoking Christian values while supporting groups opposed to them.
I like companies who stand by their values. I just won't be using Chick-fil-A as an example of one any more.
I wonder how KFC and the other chicken chains will respond to the Chick-fil-A controversy? I'd advise them to beef up their customer service training, keep their restaurants clean, and not say a word about the gays. After all, actions speak louder than words. I think that's in the Bible somewhere too.
Your comments are well thought out, very articulate, and thought provoking. I wish everyone would think things/situations through.....I just appreciate people like you, who investigate, research facts prior to making assumptions one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I expected no less from you....you are All In and do things the professional way. Thanks for a great read tonight.
STR8AHEAD
I too enjoyed your thoughts tonight. But would you mind identifying the "anti gay" Groups? It's a simple question to answer and it's being asked to spur your investigative thoughts. Here is a heads up to what you will find. When I give money/gifts to a group it is always call "Pro". Example 1: pro gay marriage. Example 2: pro family. When I disagree with the cause, or goes against my beliefs, I call it "anti". Example 1: anti abortion. Example 2: anti gay marriage.
ReplyDeleteWhen an openly religious specific COO built his company on his beliefs and was asked a question that is obviously counter to his beliefs- how can anyone expect his answer to be anything but flippant towards the reporter. To me it sounds as if this fellow did accurately reflec his mission statement- according to hi beliefs. As you stated- That you did not care to make this about beliefs. This article was about "Honesty". It seems to me as though he was very honest- but with a very unprofessional flippant attitude to a small fry reporter.
Good point about your last paragraph--point taken. I think his flippant attitude surprised me a little and stuck in my head for a few days, so I did a simple google search today. I didn't want to defend or accuse CFA without at least a little research (minutes, not days worth). I think donating to pro-traditional marriage groups would be different from donating to groups that are known for being anti-gay. I don't want to give those groups extra hits, but they are easy to find in CFA articles.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like CFA invokes the Christian values to gain support in the south, where they were founded. But, the most basic Christian value is love thy neighbor. Supporting anti-gay groups (versus pro-marriage groups) is contrary to that basic value. If you opt out of the most basic ones, it comes across as pandering--in my opinion.
Thanks to you both for commenting.