Pepe Stepensky
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Editor’s Note: This is the eleventh edition of a regular column on www.elrestaurante.com. Pepe Stepensky, a veteran restaurateur and a long-time member of the el Restaurante Advisory Panel, is offering his advice to any el Restaurante reader with a question. When he does not have a specific question to answer, he will write about the steps to opening and running a restaurant. Click here to email him a question.
In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, where every small detail counts, teamwork is a linchpin of success. From bustling kitchens to elegant dining rooms, effective teamwork is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity. Let's look at the multifaceted nature of teamwork in a restaurant setting, embracing collaboration, communication, and support.
Embracing the Power of Teamwork
Here are the key elements of teamwork in a restaurant.
Unified Effort: A cohesive team is the heartbeat of a successful restaurant. When team members collaborate and support one another, the restaurant thrives, and customers receive exceptional service.
Open Communication: Effective communication is essential to teamwork. Transparent communication channels foster trust, prevent misunderstandings, and facilitate problem-solving.
Strength in Collaboration: Every team member brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. By working together, they harness the collective power of their talents to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals.
Culture of Support: A supportive environment fosters morale and resilience among team members. Celebrating successes and offering assistance during busy periods cultivates camaraderie and loyalty.
On the other side of teamwork is individualism. “Lone wolves” are sometimes celebrated in certain settings, but not in the restaurant. Here are some reasons for that:
Isolated efforts: Operating in silos leads to inefficiencies and breakdowns in communication. Encouraging teamwork over individualism ensures that team members collaborate effectively to deliver seamless service.
Communication breakdowns: Without clear communication channels, errors and misunderstandings proliferate. People working as solo operators often don’t communicate well with co-workers.
Blame game mentality: Individualistic attitudes can breed a culture of blame and defensiveness. Promoting accountability and problem-solving shifts the focus from assigning fault to finding solutions.
Missed opportunities: When team members prioritize personal agendas over collective success, opportunities for innovation and growth are squandered. Encouraging a mindset of collaboration unlocks the full potential of the team.
Fostering Teamwork
Here are some ways to foster teamwork and collaboration:
Leadership roles: Restaurant owners and managers play a crucial role in fostering a culture of teamwork. Leading by example and providing support and guidance empowers team members to collaborate effectively.
Training and development: Investing in training and development programs equips team members with the skills and knowledge they need to work together harmoniously. Continuous learning fosters a culture of growth and adaptability.
Feedback mechanisms: Establishing feedback mechanisms encourages open dialogue and continuous improvement. Regular check-ins and performance evaluations provide opportunities for recognition and constructive feedback.
Celebrating successes: Recognizing and celebrating team achievements reinforces the value of teamwork. Whether through incentives, awards, or team-building activities, acknowledging success fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie.
A good illustration of teamwork in my restaurants occurs when a customer encounters an issue with their meal and approaches the cashier with a complaint. The situation swiftly becomes a collective concern for the entire team. The cashier offers apologies and collaborates with the customer to find a solution.
Subsequently, the cashier works with the kitchen manager and cooks to fix the problem. Finally, the manager personally ensures the satisfaction of the customer by visiting their table to close the loop and address any remaining concerns.
By prioritizing teamwork and fostering a collaborative culture, you as a restaurant owner can create an environment where every team member thrives and customers receive exceptional service. Understanding the dynamics of teamwork versus individualism is essential for building a successful and sustainable restaurant business.
Poster for your wall with main pointers
Teamwork
- Collaboration: Working together towards a common goal.
- Communication: Clear and concise interaction among team members.
- Division of Tasks: Allocating responsibilities based on strengths.
- Support and Cooperation: Assisting and encouraging fellow team members.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and adjusting to changing circumstances.
- Respect and Professionalism: Treating colleagues with dignity and professionalism.
Not Teamwork:
- Lone Wolves: Prioritizing individual achievements over team success.
- Lack of Communication: Withholding information or not listening.
- Blame Game: Assigning fault instead of finding solutions.
- Individualism: Ignoring the needs and contributions of others.