Congratulations on your promotion to manager! This is a great opportunity, but it comes with its share of new challenges. One of the biggest is figuring out how to manage people in a restaurant.
There are definitely skills that will keep your staff engaged and your restaurant running well, but some of what you need to learn can only come with time.
In this article, we’ll share with you 5 steps on how to manage people in a restaurant business. We’ll also provide some tips on creating a positive work environment and dealing with difficult customers.
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How to Manage People in a Restaurant
The importance of clear communication in the restaurant industry cannot be understated. In a fast-paced and often stressful environment, clear and concise communication is essential to keeping things running smoothly.
From the front of the house to the kitchen, everyone needs to be on the same page in order to keep the operation running like a well-oiled machine.
Clear communication can help to avoid misunderstandings, miscommunication, and conflict. It can also help build trust and rapport between team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
While it may seem like common sense, effective communication is often easier said than done. In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to let emotions get in the way of clear and concise communication.
However, by taking a step back and taking a deep breath, you can ensure that you are communicating effectively.
Here are a few tips to help you communicate more effectively with your team.
1. Make Sure That Everyone Is on the Same Page
Before you start giving instructions or sharing information, make sure that everyone understands what is going on. This will help to avoid any confusion or miscommunication down the line.
2. Be Clear and Concise
When you are sharing information, make sure that you are clear and concise. This will help to ensure that your message is received loud and clear.
3. Avoid Using Jargon
When you are communicating with your team, avoid using industry jargon or acronyms. Not everyone will be familiar with the terminology, so it is important to explain things in plain English.
4. Listen to Understand
It is important to listen to what others are saying in order to fully understand their point of view. This will help to ensure that you are on the same page and can come to a resolution that works for everyone.
5. Keep an Open Mind
When you are communicating with others, it is important to keep an open mind. You may not always agree with what they have to say, but it is important to respect their opinions.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
It can be easy to forget that managing people in a restaurant is a lot different than other types of management. The most important thing to remember is that your employees are working with food. This means that there are a lot of potential health hazards that you need to be aware of.
In addition, your employees are likely to be working long hours in a fast-paced environment. This can lead to a lot of stress, so it’s important to create a positive work environment.
One way to create a positive work environment is to make sure that your employees feel appreciated. This can be as simple as saying thank you when they do a good job.
You can also give them small bonuses or rewards when they go above and beyond.
Another way to show your appreciation is to give them opportunities to grow and advance in their careers.
It’s also important to create a positive work environment by communicating effectively with your employees. This means letting them know what is expected of them and giving them regular feedback.
It’s also important to listen to their concerns and ideas. By doing this, you’ll show your employees that you value their input and that you’re open to new ideas.
Finally, it’s important to remember that your employees are people too. This means that you should treat them with respect and dignity.
Managing Shift Changes Effectively
If you manage people in a restaurant, then you know that shift changes can be one of the most hectic and challenging times of the day. It is important to be organized and efficient when managing shift changes so that your restaurant can run smoothly.
Here are some tips to help you manage shift changes effectively.
1. Make a Schedule
Having a schedule for your shift changes will help to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Make sure to include when each employee will be coming in and going out, as well as any breaks or lunches that need to be taken.
2. Communicate with Your Employees
Make sure to communicate with your employees about the schedule for the shift change. This way, they will know when they are supposed to be coming in and going out, and they can plan accordingly.
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3. Be Organized
Being organized is key when managing shift changes. Make sure to have everything in its place so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
4. Be Flexible
Things don’t always go as planned, so it’s important to be flexible when managing shift changes. If something comes up, be willing to adjust the schedule accordingly.
5. Always Have a Plan B
There will be times when things don’t go as planned, no matter how well you organize and communicate. Having a plan B will help to ensure that your restaurant can still run smoothly, even if there are some bumps along the way.
Dealing With Difficult Customers
It’s never fun to deal with difficult customers, but it’s something that every restaurant manager has to deal with at some point.
Whether it’s a customer who is unhappy with their food, or a customer who is being disruptive, it’s important to know how to handle the situation.
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with difficult customers is to stay calm. It can be difficult to do this when someone is yelling at you or being rude, but it’s important to keep your cool. If you show that you’re angry or upset, it will only make the situation worse.
Listen to what the customer is saying. They may have a valid point, even if they’re not expressing it in the best way. Try to understand their concerns and see if there’s anything you can do to resolve the issue.
Of course, sometimes there’s nothing you can do to please a difficult customer.
In these cases, it’s important to be polite and professional. Thank them for their feedback and let them know that you’ll pass their concerns on to the appropriate people. Then, do your best to move on and take care of the other customers in your restaurant.
What Does Restaurant Management Training Offer?
Restaurant management training offers the skills and knowledge on how to manage people in a restaurant. The training covers topics such as effective communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Additionally, the training provides an opportunity for managers to learn about the specific needs of the restaurant industry and how to best meet those needs.
If you’re looking to get into restaurant management, there are a few different types of training you can go through to learn how to manage people in a restaurant. Here are a few options to consider.
1. Restaurant Management Certification
One option for getting the necessary training to become a restaurant manager is to get a certification. This type of program will typically teach you about topics like revenue, forecasting, and administrative tasks. You’ll also get leadership training that will be essential for managing a restaurant.
2. Classroom Training
Another option for getting the training you need is to take classes in restaurant management. This can be a great option if you want to get a more in-depth education on the topic.
3. E-Learning Curriculum
If you want the convenience of getting your training online, you can also look into e-learning options. This can be a great way to get the training you need without having to go to a physical classroom.
No matter which type of training you choose, make sure that it’s a good fit for your learning style and needs. That way, you can get the most out of the program and be prepared to start your career in restaurant management.
FAQs About How to Manage People in a Restaurant
How do restaurants manage employees?
- Be consistent.
- Manage proactively.
- Learn the restaurant operation by doing the work yourself.
- Prioritize staff retention.
- Ensure customer satisfaction.
- Improve the customer experience.
- Take word-of-mouth seriously.
- Invest in advertising.
What makes a good manager at a restaurant?
- Positive attitude.
- Has a passion for what they do.
- Humility.
- Teamwork.
- Patience.
- Calm under pressure.
- Takes the initiative.
- Can delegate.
- Leads by example.
- Great communicator.
- Time management.
- Proactive.
How do you manage employees properly?
- Hire the best people.
- Track employee performance regularly.
- Encourage employees to share their opinions.
- Set clear goals.
- Reward hard work.
- Ensure that employees enjoy working.
How can I be a good manager and leader in a restaurant?
- Motivate, motivate, motivate.
- Complete training programs.
- Know how to handle stress.
- Embrace tech solutions.
- Be a true number cruncher.
Conclusion
If you’re a restaurant manager or owner, we hope this blog post has given you some useful tips on how to manage people in a restaurant business. Remember, clear communication is essential for any successful team.
Creating a positive work environment and building strong relationships with your employees are also key factors in restaurant management.
If you’re looking to improve your management and leadership skills, Promotable.org is the perfect place for you! We offer a variety of resources to help people become better managers and leaders, including tips, articles, and tools. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help you reach your potential!