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To Lead Is to Serve
The Cherngs are big fans of Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book they require all job applicants to read before their interview. “Success is a by-product of our habits,” says Andrew. “We’re very focused on learning how to do the right things well and completely so that what all of us do actually makes an impact.”Doing the right thing includes paying more than the minimum wage and subsidizing health care for all 17,300 employees, including part-timers. Some might caution that this approach would hamstring financial results. But not the Cherngs. “If you’re too focused on the results and try to develop shortcuts, you’re going to have to pay it back later somehow,” Andrew says. “Focus on doing the right thing, being a good human being. Try to add value anywhere you can. The results will take care of themselves.”
The Cherngs take seriously the concept that to lead is to serve. Put in action, that philosophy means helping associates improve their livelihood and, in the process, learn to live a fuller life. In the end, says Andrew, “they are better off financially, but they’re also smarter because they’re curious and learning. They take care of themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. When all of us do these things well, there’s a better chance we will treat the customer better.”
The virtuous circle keeps expanding. In 1999 Peggy created Panda Cares, a company-sponsored charity that provides money and food to local schools, hospitals and organizations that support children, to encourage “a spirit of giving.”
Thirty-four years later, the Cherngs’ passion for what they’ve created at Panda Express remains unabated. “If we can only figure out that each of us can do little things with great passion, the whole world would change. You don’t have to expect change for billions. But we all have a family. I’ve learned that the way you do anything is the way you do everything,” says Andrew.
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