Franchise Update Magazine Issue II, 2011 | Page 19

CEO profile:
Where is the best place to prepare for
leadership: an MBA school or OTJ?

The leadership spot at any company
has to be able to perform in all the disciplines. Getting a degree in school is
important. Getting real-life experience
is critical and I don’t think you can get
that from an MBA. I now have people
in marketing, supply chain, franchise
sales, and so on. They are my resident
experts. And I have played in all these
different disciplines throughout my 25year career. That’s how you can become
the best as a leader.
Are tough decisions best taken by
one person? I think a decision needs

to be taken by one person, or there’s no
accountability. But before a decision is
taken there has to be consultation with
everyone on the team playing a role.
How do you make tough decisions?

I have a senior leadership team of nine
people. When those tough decisions need
to be made—about a franchisee, entering
a new market, or closing a restaurant—
whoever the stakeholders are I’m going
to have a significant conversation first.
But I’ll make the decision.
Do you want to be liked or respected?

I want to be respected. I have an outgoing personality. I believe that everyone
on my team should share my energy
level and my passion. I open my home
to my team on a regular basis. It’s an opportunity to celebrate success. Our team
outings are typically at my home, where
you check your stripes at the door. We
have attributes we look for. Most important: Can you play in the sandbox
we’ve created here at Moe’s? Opening
my home, knowing everyone personally,
is something I do well.
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