Foodservice management can be rewarding and fun, but without high productivity, the days can drag on, and inharmonious relationships between staff members can induce stress and animosity.
It is important, therefore, to be proactive and take steps that will help foster a positive work experience.
Here are some ways in foodservice management
The benefits of improving foodservice management, work production, and relationships are many.
Improving and increasing production means more customers are satisfied, and easier work relations mean that people will enjoy their jobs, wanting to come into work with a desire to accomplish their daily and weekly goals.
List your goals
Having daily, weekly, and in some cases, monthly goals is a must. Workers want to know there is a leader running things and most people want to know what they are supposed to be doing. Be sure to remain consistent. While there will be changes in policies and procedures that happen beyond a manager’s control, you want to do your best to ensure that you are as consistent as possible with the various goals you set for individuals, as well as the entire staff.
Work
Foodservice management includes working in a kitchen that can require a lot of busywork, multi-tasking, and in some cases getting your hands dirty. Some managers often like to opt-out of the jobs they see beneath them.
Yes, of course, you have other tasks to complete, like inventory, dealing with deposits, and speaking with customers, but there are plenty of times, however, where managers have a free moment in which to do some dishes, take out the trash, scrub something, etc. When your staff sees you’re not afraid to do the same work, even the menial tasks, you will earn their respect and motivate them to complete these jobs themselves.
Avoid micromanaging
For some managers, this is difficult, but being in a kitchen often involves working with a cast of characters who all have something different to contribute and have as many ways to do so. There is no reason to nitpick people; just create a task list for each staff member and allow them to complete those tasks their way.
Because many managers are not doing the same job, they may not realize that an employee has found an easier or faster way to complete their tasks. For the worker, it can be frustrating to see the management complain or insist on doing a job differently that will ultimately take more time and be less efficient.
If you do, however, notice that an employee is working inefficiently, then you should be sure to communicate openly with them. Ask them questions. Do not assume their reasons for doing something are invalid. Offer to show them a better way to complete a task, and have them give your way a try to see if things can improve. Again, your solution may or may not work, but if it does, you don’t want to put your employee on the defense. You want to work with them and not make them feel as though you are attacking them.
Praise your staff
Customers matter, but so do your workers. You need your employees to show up and work. You need them to be happy so that they will treat others well. In business, there is always an emphasis on satisfying the customer and showing appreciation for them, and rightly so.
However, employees need to feel appreciated as well. Sometimes, you can accomplish this with just a sincere, well-timed compliment.
You could also find creative ways to reward your staff. You’d be surprised at how little it takes to make someone feel good. Even the slightest effort to show appreciation can go a long way when handling foodservice management.
Have meetings
It may be difficult to hold group meetings, depending on where you work, but doing so can ensure that everyone is aware of any changes that may be coming up or have occurred. It’s much easier to tell everyone all at once, rather than individually, only to discover one or two may have been left out. If something like this does happen, apologize for the oversight, and communicate with them what they need to know.
Be respectful
Be someone that others can admire and feel is approachable. Sometimes being a manager will require you to confront people and address issues that might be completely foreign to you. Be honest and think carefully about what you need to say. If you are consistent in these behaviors, your staff will know what to expect from you.
They might not always like or agree with something you do, but they will ultimately be able to respect you for your ability to tackle difficult issues in a direct and fair manner.
Following these steps can help you stay focused on being the best manager you can be. You are the leader, and people depend on you to take that responsibility seriously. Those around you will, in turn, take their jobs seriously as well. Ultimately, you will find yourself surrounded by a motivated, happy staff that works efficiently under your foodservice management.
