by Jimmy Flatbush

Created on: November 30, 2010

Restaurants test the mettle of the most astute managers. Grueling hours wear down the body and mind, which leads to a turnover rate that sits in the upper echelon of the business world. Restaurant managers wear many hats, and they must be proficient in performing each competency. Name on industry where managers assume the multiple roles of accountant, marketing representative, food safety specialist, purchasing agent, customer service representative, and perhaps most important, psychologist, among other managerial functions. A restaurant manager’s role is so encompassing that it would be remiss of me to suggest tips for my current boss.

However, I have walked a mile in my manager’s shoes. Fifteen years of restaurant management experience gives me a unique perspective on how the management team that I work for can perform better at their jobs. My tips go beyond perfunctory leadership traits such as integrity, trustworthiness, and grace under pressure. The tips incorporate concepts that not only are lacking at my restaurant, but also are absent in most restaurants throughout the industry.

Cross Train

We recently lost seven strong team members and a tenured kitchen manager due to a corporate crack down on pranks in the workplace. Besides a precipitous drop in morale, the firing of eight high achievers left a huge hole in the restaurant’s operation. The remaining members of the management team dealt with plugging holes in the dining room and kitchen on a daily basis.

The best way to ensure staffing continuity is to cross train talented team members. Managers can fill holes in the schedule and high achievers can seek additional responsibility. Cross training increases productivity, which in return reduces labor costs.

Develop Trainers

Trainers are more than just team members who help new hires grow into their jobs. They help managers run shifts and coach team members. Restaurant managers, such as one of my current bosses, are doomed to fail if they try to do it all. By developing a strong training team, managers can delegate managerial tasks during each shift. Some of the tasks include in my restaurant include talking steam members into the shift, handling POS issues, and checking out team members before they leave the building.

Consistency

Managers who inconsistently mete out discipline or reward team members for their achievements are destined to lose control of their business. Team members perceive inconsistency as a serious character flaw,

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