Sooner or later you will work with a bad, bored or burned-out manager and it seems even more common in foodservice.
They’re the ones that are in a rut, overwhelmed, not taking the time to properly hire and train employees and avoiding change. Those in foodservice know it takes hard work, it’s challenging, no day is the same and has many opportunities. That’s why many choose to work and stay in foodservice. But if they like doing the same thing every day, no action, no changes or accepting challenges then you are certainly miserable and in the wrong industry.
We can learn from the bad managers or operations by understanding their bad habits.
Here are some examples…
1. Flying off the handle
The day I turned 16 I got a job as a waitress. My first two managers should have never held leadership positions. When things got tough in the kitchen they would lose it and start yelling at the cooks, throw dishes and even fire us at the drop of a hat. Looking back, one manager was thrown into the position by the owner. He was set up for failure with no management experience and little training.
This business has the knack for turning calm people anxious and anxious people irate. Refraining from that angry instinct is among the biggest challenges for many managers. The manager is the role model and sets the tone for the business. Leaders need to show confidence, be consistent, and have a steady demeanor. Confidence and decisiveness are power.
2. Employees Losing Their Cool
Employees follow the managers lead. When a manager who loses his cool it implies that its okay for employees to lose their cool. On the other hand, employees can learn to handle their emotions when a manager can do the same when things get hot.
Employees are very aware of their managers behavior both good and bad.
For example, a manager goes to check the kitchen and sees that the cooks are overwhelmed. So, the manager starts to “help” but doesn’t wash his or her hands. Well if the boss doesn’t wash is it that important? Mangers are on stage; employees are watching and learning so never cut corners.
3. Being Lazy
Get up and go. Hiding in the office sends all the wrong messages to staff. It emphasizes laziness and a lack of leadership. It tells employees they are not worth getting out of the office chair for. Managers need to be seen, available and involved.
Get out in front of problems. By addressing a problem before it gets out of control you can quickly eliminate major issues.
4. Failure in Hiring or Training
When managers don’t stay ahead of hiring they end up with staff that don’t meet or exceed the job requirements. Failing to hire until it’s too late and rushing new hires through training results in high turnover effecting everyone’s morale and job. When it comes to training, don’t cut costs or be cheap. Failure to train new and seasoned employees costs more time and money in the long run.
5. Failing to Keep up with the Times
Managers fail to grow, either because they have become indifferent, are tired of learning or feel as though they already know everything there is to know. New challenges constantly appear to experienced managers: new regulations, updating marketing strategies, new technologies to improve business, or new opportunities for revenue. Failing to adapt to new challenges effects job satisfaction, costs time, money and unfortunately their job.
Keep your employees and managers up to date with convenient, affordable, online classes. >>