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Learning on the McJob
Jerry Newman, distinguished professor at University at Buffalo (N.Y.) School of Management, traded in his blackboard for a cardboard hat for 14 months in the name of research. He went undercover to work behind the counter at seven fast-food restaurants, including McDonald's (MCD) and Burger King (BKC). What he discovered is that the world of drive-through windows and fries is full of hard-working, honest people trying to make ends meet.
In his recently released book, My Secret Life on the McJob (McGraw-Hill, 2007), Newman focuses on the tips he gleaned from fast-food managers. But, he says, his book isn't your traditional leadership bible à la someone like Jack Welch. This book, rather, is about what Newman calls "followership," a look at management from the perspective of the workers. If you ever wondered what your staff thinks about you, then this is a must read—if you can stomach the good with the bad.
Already, many of the fast-food companies featured in the book have Newman traveling in the U.S. and Europe to give speeches about what he unearthed on the McJob. He recently discussed his discoveries with BusinessWeek.com reporter Francesca Di Meglio. Here are edited excerpts from their conversation:
What motivated you to write this book?
When my youngest daughter was 16 years old, we were out on a Buffalo street on a Sunday morning for a driving lesson, and I survived. As a reward, we went to a fast-food restaurant for breakfast sandwiches. She opened up the sandwich and sticking out of it was what appeared to be a condom.
I brought it up to the counter, and the manager came over. I said, "What's this condom doing in the middle of the sandwich?" He held up his pi ...