Best in Class
I've been thinking about Best in Class – companies that are the best of their kind.
What companies come to mind for you?
For me, two have jumped out lately: Kwik Trip, and Culver's.
Both are Wisconsin-based companies that do the same thing as many other companies —a gas station/convenience store (Kwik Trip), and a fast food restaurant (Culver's). But, they arguably do it better.
More than just a gas station
Kwik Trip is known for having immaculately clean restrooms , and they are a go-to stop for eggs, milk, and butter. Many people I know exclusively buy their dairy products from Kwik Trip, because they find it to be the best, and the cheapest. Kwik Trip now carries organic options, and if you visit a Kwik Trip around 5 pm on a weekday, it is bustling with locals, making their daily stop for evening dinner essentials. When checking out, the cashiers say, “See you next time!” They give back to the community, and are known as a preferred employer. While they are, at their core, a gas station and convenience store, they have shaped themselves to be much more.
The best in fast food
While the cleanliness of many fast food restaurants (especially the soft serve machines…how often do they clean those things…?) can be questionable, most Culver's locations are spotless. And while many fast food restaurants have reduced their counter service and installed kiosks, Culver's has kept a team of often-friendly and helpful employees who take your order, in person, and say thank you. In addition to traditional fast-food options like burgers and fries, they serve rotating soups, fresh salads, and you can even get a side of steamed broccoli or a gluten free bun. They also give back to the community and offer career development opportunities. Here again, Culver's is at its core a fast food restaurant, but they have elevated themselves above their many competitors.
ways to be best in class
We can think about the same thing within our own organizations.
How can we be Best in Class —not only for our clients and customers, but also for our employees?
This might mean. . .
Having top-notch leadership and professional development offerings for our team members, creating abundant opportunities for growth and learning
Investing in our managers and leaders so that team members feel well-supported by the people they report to
Offering options not only for maternity and paternity leave, but also for team members who might be caring for an aging parent or ailing loved ones
Acknowledging that grief lasts more than a couple of days, and offering time, support, and/or resources for team members who experience loss
Showing a sense of deep care for our customers and our employees, in order to create a deep sense of belonging
Doing the basics well —follow-up, follow-through, and accountability
Questions to Ponder
What is one thing we could do within our organization, to help us be Best in Class?
What is one small thing I could do within my team, to create the Best in Class feeling within my own sphere of influence?
Is there anything we're doing (micro or macro level) that is diminishing our ability to be Best in Class? If so, what could it look like to explore a shift of some sort?
What do you think?
What else would you add?
And what companies come to mind for you, as you think about Best in Class?
If you are considering ways in which investing in your people, and your leaders, can support your organization in its own journey to be Best in Class, I invite you to drop me a note so that we can talk more.
