Some employees at McDonalds are wealthier than you think!
Okay, Alice, who just graduated from high school isn’t the wealth employee that I’m talking about. Nor is Nancy, who drives to work with her husband (both are in their 60s and both are avid smokers). I know they both smoke because right before they get the doors at McDonalds, they both toss there cigarettes on to the sidewalk (yes, I hate that). Nancy who delivers the food at the Drive-Thru window, does her job quietly. No friendly recognition from her!
No, my point of reference for this post is Clark Kent (not his real name), the extra friendly employee at the McDonalds Drive-Thru.
Before I tell of Clark Kent’s background, let me explain his current accomplishments that I know of (and just from McDonalds)!
- First, Clark Kent looks different. He displays 4 of the gold excellence in service awards that he has earned (he has more, but he said 4 is enough to wear). These gold stars pins are something special where after so many people call in to McDonalds complimenting the employee’s work, that McDonalds gives these gold pins out (at least at the McDonalds in my area)… Kind of like an job excellence award?
- Clark Kent travels often, He talks of his trips to Florida often.
- Clark was flown (all expenses paid dining and hotel) to speak with my company’s CEO. During one of our mandatory company exercises, enough people used him as a reference as an superb example of customer service on the questionaire, that our CEO flew him out to Cali just to have lunch or dinner with him. I believe Clark Kent and his wife got a mini-vacation out of this.
- Clark Kent is a great communicator! He talks clearly but quickly, and is always smiling and asking how you are today. He repeats what you ordered before you get to the Drive-in window to eliminate errors. For certain customers, he make it a point to learn there names (including me of course…). I’m sure he know hundreds of name of customers.
Okay, so Clark is an expert at his job and receives benefits and perks by doing such a great job that most people anywhere would have to be impressed.
So what is his background:
- Clark is a retired manager from a very large manufacturing company. His area of expertise was engineering.
- Clark is at least 60+, but moves like someone 20 years younger.
- He has a large house and some of the nicer tools and toys in life.
- He loves his job! He is the supreme example of “Lemons to Lemonade” that is one of my categories.
- He works for the social benefits and for extra money to travel on vacations.
So what have I noticed that makes Clark special?
- Clark is and expert at communication! I’m sure this translated well in his pre-retirement position as a manager.
- He does special extra activities the perform his job better! Repeating what you ordered back is a great feedback tool that will reduce ordering errors.
- He is very positive and friendly.
- He doesn’t really need this job to survive! This takes the edge off!
- He is very aware of the performance requirement of the job. He once told me how quickly the McDonalds queue is suppose to move. I’m sure he is like this with any job.
I think it is amazing that my company CEO flew Clark Kent out just to meet him! It just shows you, when you try hard and remain upbeat, positive things can happen as a consequence!
Do you know of any stories of rewards for doing a great job, like what happened to Clark?
-MR
All I can say is we need more Clark Kents in the world. I wonder if part of why we don’t see more exemplary employees is because so many companies have forgotten how to reward and appreciate the workers.
@Everyday Tips
I agree, Clark is the epitome of taking seeing a positive in every possible scenario.
Unlike Clark, I have my down days where I try to be as invisible as possible, because I know that it’s going to be a bad day…
I’m somewhat luck in that the company that I work for has a fairly decent culture… Although that has changed somewhat lately, especially in my little niche of the company.
Other than stories I’ve read online or have seen on tv, I don’t know many Clark Kents. I’ve received 15-20 emails and letters from clients who appreciated my customer service (usually from my supervisor who receives them), but my company has only given me one award for it in 5 years (it was a $500 bonus before taxes…$387 after, lol). I’m with Clark Kent, being happy about speaking with the clients is the only way everybody will leave the experience better than when it started.
@Budgeting in the Fun Stuff
I can see you providing excellent customer service!
Hopefully the company that you work for has promoted you a few times, or at least gave you a few decent raises!
I think Clark that works at McDonalds also might be noticed because he shines among people that dislike being there (or so it seems at the McDonalds in my area). For them it’s just a job, but for Clark, it’s fun money and a chance to talk with people.
When everybody else is looking down and you are looking up, it’s not that hard to be noticed…
@MR, thanks for being sweet! I am in a specialized job that really has no advancement opportunities (unless my supervisor retires, which would stink for everyone around here), which is okay to me. From 2005-2008, I went from making $26,500 to $35,000 and we’ve been on a salary freeze ever since. I’m hoping for a raise during our next review period in October. I stay because it’s a uber-low stress job with great benefits and I do like helping people that would probably receive poor service if I wasn’t around…at least from the people I know…
Clark does stand out for the reasons you mentioned. How many happy McDonald’s employees does anyone ever see? If I want a part-time job in retirement, I’d probably be the best employee there for the exact reason you mentioned – it’s easier to be happy when you know you don’t need the job to pay the bills. 🙂
@Budgeting in the Fun Stuff
The important thing is your happy with your job and is sounds like you have passion.
I think Clark has the same type of passion, even as he works at McDonalds.
You are right, I think the fact that he know if he’s let go tomorrow, he really doesn’t depend on the job for the bills…
These last few years have been hard for businesses… 🙁
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Clark Kent (not his real name) is really a good model to all dreamers. I like his attitude. It is what made him very successful.
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