A Facebook Reel shares the story of Denny’s restaurant and the chain’s leadership deciding to close on Christmas Day. What would be a simple decision for most businesses had a cascading impact on the restaurant, previously open 24/7. Since Denny’s had never closed, they did not have procedures in place regarding how to close — turning off equipment, cashing out the registers, etc.
More importantly, most managers did not even have keys to the front door, necessitating new locks for 700 of its 1200 locations!
I wonder if leadership considered any of this when they made their benevolent decision, and whether they would have still made it had they understood the costs and implications. I also wonder who on the team had the forethought to ask questions about locks and closing procedures before Christmas Eve so that policies could be written and locks installed in a timely fashion.
The Denny’s example is a good reminder that those closest to the implementation should be consulted upfront on significant decisions. Identifying details and challenges early in the process could alter the outcome or at least allow time to execute it effectively.
Reels video by Vin Teller. Thanks, Meg!
