David Novak, Chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands stressed the importance of recognition in a keynote address for the Society for Human Resource Management’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida, in June. “There is no way you can get something done without taking people with you,” he said. Novak shared lessons that he teaches in a leadership course he leads eight times per year:
Put people first. “If you get your people capability right first and continue to make it your first priority, I guarantee you the results will follow.”
Constantly recognize achievers. As president of KFC, when Novak heard about someone who deserved recognition, he would give that person a signed, numbered rubber chicken and a $100 spot bonus. Novak would take a picture with the “floppy chicken” winner and post it in his own office. His office walls and ceiling are covered with photos. “People love to come to my office and I want them to see what this business is all about. That’s people!”
Novak told the audience that leadership is about moving “from me to we,” and that, “life is too short to not make yourself the best possible leader you can be.”
