Ray Kroc

As the summer months fast approach, Americans tend to hit the highways for travel and vacation plans. One of the most recognizable signs that the majority of travelers witness is the Golden Arches better known as McDonalds. McDonalds, famous for its hamburgers and french fries, has continued expanding not only across America but around the world due to the efforts of one man, Ray Kroc. The purpose of this paper is to highlight that Ray Kroc was a visionary and ethical leader that resulted in the expansion of McDonalds from a single restaurant into the household name it is today. First, this paper will explain how Ray Kroc’s diverse background and understanding of McClelland’s Need Theory, need for affiliation, allowed him to exploit his innovative mindset contributing to his visionary leadership style. Then, details will be provided to show how Ray Kroc clearly understood and implemented Dr. Toner’s Three P’s (principle, purpose, people) to impact organization, and community underscoring his ethical behavior. Finally, specifics will be discussed on how Ray Kroc’s visionary and ethical leadership style relates to my personal leadership style. Now, time to delve into Ray Kroc’s visionary leadership style.

Visionary Leader

Ray Kroc’s diverse background, comprehension and application of McClelland’s Need Theory, need for affiliation, combined with his innovative mindset contributed to his visionary leadership style. Ray was born in Oak Park, Illinois on October 5, 1902 and held multiple jobs such as a World War I Red Cross Ambulance driver, musician, DJ for a local radio station, paper cup salesman, a restaurant worker, and a traveling milkshake salesman. In 1954, Ray met the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, who owned a small restaurant that produced a limited menu, concentrating on just a few items, burgers, fries and beverages that allowed them to focus on quality at every step. Since Ray had spent nearly 20 years in the restaurant and salesman...