The Bernstein Perspective: Mentor of Mentors
Industry leaders celebrate Norman Brinker’s ripple-effect influence.
By Charles Bernstein, Editor-at-Large -- Chain Leader, 6/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
Was it the anniversary celebration, keynote speaker Stephen Covey or award recipient Norman Brinker that drew a record 350 restaurant industry leaders to the 20th annual Elliot Leadership Conference May 5 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel? Regardless of their reason for attending, executives took advantage of Brinker’s rare public appearance to learn from him and tell him of his influence.
Alice Elliot, founder and CEO of conference host The Elliot Group, said, “Norman Brinker has stood as probably the greatest symbol of our industry. Leadership is what we make of it, and he is at the top.”
Brinker International Chairman Doug Brooks presented the Elliot Mentor Award to Brinker, the company’s founder and chairman emeritus. Brooks told how Brinker was “super competitive and had a knack for winning.” He noted that Brinker set an example for the whole industry, calling his work “play” and specializing in leading people to do their very best. “He encouraged us to take responsibility and give back to the community,” Brooks emphasized. “He mentored so many others and changed our industry.”
Mutual Admiration
Brinker told the audience how he surrounded himself with great people and “let them do what they can do best. I couldn’t accomplish any of our goals without you, and I’m proud to say my associates did great things.” He declared that “the overall health of the industry is very good, but what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. ...There are advertising issues and tax issues from special interest groups. We must focus on our employees, stick to plans, and yet be willing to change.” Above all else, he said, top leaders listen carefully and “seek to understand before you seek to be understood.”
After a standing ovation, several executives stood to share plaudits. “You always had a sense of winning,” said Wally Doolin, chairman, president and CEO at Buca Inc. “You could see the principles so clearly.”
TD Food Group Executive Chairman Greg Dollarhyde told Brinker that “a part of me got better because I competed with you.”
Others lauding Brinker included P.F. Chang’s Rick Federico, Outback’s Tim Gannon and Rubicon Enterprises’ Dick Rivera. If you look at these and the many other leaders who have worked for Brinker, and then add in the next generation of executives learning from them, you see that Brinker’s influence continues to ripple throughout the industry.
Never Give Up
Brooks told a story that epitomizes Brinker’s competitive nature and respect for employees at every level. Some years ago, several executives on Brinker’s staff flew with him to visit a restaurant. It was late, but Brinker got to talking to the staff about how the store was run. The others said they should leave because they couldn’t afford to miss the last plane out that night. Yet Brinker demanded they all stay until the problems were solved. So they missed the plane. Brooks added that Brinker wouldn’t leave one store that needed his help.
“No always meant maybe in my mind,” Brinker said. “A positive attitude and straightforward behavior are crucial. ‘Never give up’ has been my constant motto.” At age 74, he clearly remains the mentor of mentors in the chain-restaurant industry.
