Reflections on Ambition, Vision, and Ethics in Corporate Entrepreneurship:
The movie The Founder (2016), directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Michael Keaton, tells the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman from Illinois, and his role in the global expansion of McDonald’s. Through the relationship between Kroc and the McDonald brothers, creators of the “fast food” concept, the film explores fundamental themes in the corporate world such as ambition, shared vision, and ethical dilemmas in teamwork. This analysis delves into how The Founder addresses these themes and the lessons it offers for the current business and work environment.
Shared Vision and the Importance of a Common Goal:
In The Founder, Ray Kroc is not the original creator of McDonald’s, but he has a clear vision of its expansion potential. Kroc’s ability to imagine and project a scalable business model shows how a shared vision can transform a local idea into a global phenomenon. Kroc takes the initial proposal of the brothers and expands it, envisioning the possibility of a standardized and efficient system.
This focus on shared vision is essential in any organization. In teamwork, when all members share and align with the same goal, individual effort multiplies, enhancing results. However, The Founder also suggests that a company’s success depends not only on vision but also on constant and clear communication among all involved to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings along the way.
Communication and the Challenges of Teamwork:
A recurring theme in The Founder is the communication (or lack thereof) between Kroc and the McDonald brothers. As the franchise grows, disagreements about the business direction and conflicts over rights and contracts arise as obstacles. The lack of clear and sincere communication between the founders and Kroc reveals how a team’s success depends on open communication and alignment of expectations.
For any company, this lesson is fundamental: teams must establish fluid communication from the start, creating channels and strategies that allow conflicts to be resolved before they escalate. The Founder illustrates that a clear vision can be lost if those involved do not feel heard or understood, and that companies need a culture where ideas and concerns are freely expressed to maintain cohesion and respect.
Ethics and Trust in Teamwork:
One of the most controversial aspects of The Founder is Kroc’s behavior in taking control of McDonald’s, raising questions about ethics in teamwork and shared values. The story shows how ambition can, in some cases, cross ethical lines, damaging relationships and trust.
For teams and companies, this situation serves as a warning about the importance of respecting ethics and integrity at every step. Strong teams are built on trust and mutual respect, which involves sharing not only the vision but also the values. When an organization acts ethically, collaborators feel more motivated and aligned, creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.
Adaptability and Resilience in Entrepreneurship:
The Founder also highlights the role of adaptability in the business world. Kroc demonstrates admirable tenacity and resilience in facing initial rejections and obstacles. His ability to adapt the business model to circumstances, innovate, and make difficult decisions underscores the importance of being flexible and persistent.
Adaptability is a crucial quality in the corporate environment, where constant changes require adjustments and new strategies. The Founder reminds us that success in business often requires quick changes and the willingness to reevaluate the path. Companies that foster a culture of learning and adaptability among their collaborators are better prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities.
The Founder offers a detailed exploration of the power of shared vision, the challenges of communication in teamwork, and ethical dilemmas in the corporate world. Although Kroc achieves commercial success, the ethical sacrifices he makes highlight the importance of building a culture of trust and respect within the team. In summary, The Founder reminds us that true success is achieved when integrity is maintained and personal values are aligned with the organization’s vision.
