One of my CEO coaching clients recently shared with me a book by Monty Moran, the former CEO of Chipotle. It’s titled Love is Free, Guac is Extra: How Vulnerability, Empowerment and Curiosity Built an Unstoppable Team.
He thought I might like it; he was wrong. I loved it … and I highly recommend it to you.
It’s about how Monty Moran applied leadership techniques and principles that helped him contribute to the company’s growth and become CEO. He stresses the importance of fostering a culture of love, integrity, and empowerment within a business organization. He also makes the point that, when employees are treated with respect and given the freedom to be themselves, they’re likely to excel in their roles and contribute to the company’s overall success.
My favorite part about this success story? Moran’s commitment to understand more about each employee. During his time at Chipotle, he traveled to company locations around the world, had conversations with more than 20,000 employees, and asked them key questions.
Leadership Tip
Take time to learn more about your company and your employees by having meaningful conversations with your people.
When you do, many good things happen. Here are a few:
- Your employees feel that you care, they are understood, and they are valued.
- You will learn where your opportunities for organizational improvement are.
- You will learn who are your top performers and who are not.
- You will earn trust and respect when you listen and take action.
- You will benefit from employee retention, productivity, and engagement—and profitable growth follows.
With its many implementable nuggets for leaders, I highly recommend adding this essential book to your reading list.
