IN 1994, Joyce Asistores was hired by McDonald’s Saipan as a crewmember. She was a young woman who had no experience working in a fast-food restaurant.
She remembers standing up for eight hours for the first time in her life on her first day at work.
“I do not know how I did it but I was passionate about my new job. I was excited!” she said.
Through the years, she has steadily risen from the ranks: from crew member to crew trainer, area manager and certified swing manager.
“As a certified swing manager, you must be flexible,” she said. “You are ‘swung’ in different areas any time there is a need. You must learn how to adapt quickly to different situations,” she added.
Four years after being named a certified swing manager, Asistores became a department manager.
In 2017, she was promoted to general manager.
Asistores said McDonald’s has helped her become who she is now: a confident, patient and skilled leader.
“It was also through the help of my mentors, colleagues and former bosses that I am where I am right now,” she said.
For their part, the owners of McDonald’s Saipan and Guam helped her develop the skills that she need to oversee and manage the staff.
“I was exposed to different types of personalities when interacting with customers over the years,” she said. “I have learned how to be more patient and how to speak up in a manner that will not offend our customers. They should always be treated right,” she said.
As a leader, she said she has learned how to deal with different personalities.
“I have learned to adjust. It is also my desire to motivate young employees and to see them grow. That requires patience and understanding so you can relate to them. Different people have different personalities,” she added.
Asistores said McDonald’s continues to train people who have the potential to grow and lead.
“If they see that a staff member is dedicated and has the potential to lead, that person will go through a series of training. At McDonald’s, our career is always moving forward as long as you remain dedicated and hardworking,” she added.
Joyce Asistores