Culture
Culture
What McDonald’s Can Teach Us About Culture and Business Success
Today marks the grand opening of a new McDonald’s in Malton, and it’s been a real eye-opener working with one of my clients who owns the store. Watching the launch unfold has offered incredible insight into what makes certain businesses thrive, even when everything on the surface seems exactly the same.
At McDonald’s, every franchisee operates under the same brand. The food is identical. The marketing is consistent. The operational playbook is standard across all locations. So what separates a high-performing store from an average one?
In short: people and culture.
When everything else is equal, product, pricing, marketing, the two biggest variables that influence success are the people you hire and the culture you create. This was especially clear watching this store in Malton come to life. The enthusiasm, team cohesion, and pride in delivering a top-tier customer experience made it feel different. You could sense that something was working right.
Interestingly, many people assume McDonald’s customers are simply after speed and convenience, but the reality is that they’re just as discerning as any other consumer. They recognise when a store is clean, efficient, and welcoming. They feel the difference when staff are motivated, smiling, and attentive. In short, they notice culture.
I’ve seen this even more dramatically with another client who owns several McDonald’s locations. He recently took over two stores from a retiring franchisee. Within just two months, he increased revenue by nearly 30%, without changing the product, pricing, or promotions. His secret? He reshaped the internal culture. He made the stores immaculate, reinvigorated the teams, and focused on elevating the customer experience.
It’s a powerful reminder that in any business, the product alone isn’t enough. Whether you run a franchise, a consultancy, or a creative agency, your people and the environment you create for them will determine the experience your customers receive, and ultimately, your success.
So, next time you’re thinking about how to grow your business, take a step back and ask yourself: What’s the culture like here? Because when everything else is equal, culture isn’t just important—it’s your biggest differentiator.
If your business isn’t growing the way you hoped, don’t just look at strategy, look at culture. It could be the missing link between average and exceptional. Want help building a culture that drives performance and pride? Join our next Business Club session. Email me for the link and let’s build something remarkable together.
