5 Common Restaurant Staff Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Have you ever felt like managing your team is like herding cats? You’re not alone. Most restaurant owners struggle with common management mistakes that lead to frustration, high turnover and lost profits. Don’t worry — today, we’re diving into the five most common staff management mistakes that might be holding your team back, and, more importantly, how to avoid them to create a thriving workplace.
- Lack of clear expectations
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming your team knows what you want. Without clear expectations, you’ll end up frustrated, and your team will feel like they’re constantly guessing.
How to avoid it:
- Create detailed job descriptions.
- Set performance standards.
- Communicate these expectations in writing and during training.
Clarity is the key to success.
- Failing to provide regular feedback
Too many restaurant managers only give feedback when something goes wrong. Your team needs to hear about what they’re doing well and where they can improve.
How to avoid it:
- Implement a regular schedule for feedback, whether it’s a quick check-in or monthly one-on-ones.
- Remember, constructive feedback goes both ways.
Pro tip: You should be giving feedback to your team every day. This ensures corrections are made before issues become major problems and reinforces good performance.
- Micromanaging
When you hover over your team, you’re not helping them — you’re holding them back. Micromanaging creates resentment and stunts your team’s growth.
How to avoid it:
- Train your team thoroughly, then trust them to do their jobs.
- Instead of hovering, focus on coaching and empowering them.
Pro tip: Regular check-ins between scheduled milestones aren’t micromanaging. They’re a way to ensure your team stays on track without feeling stifled.
- Ignoring team morale
If you’re only focused on numbers and not on team morale, you’re missing the big picture. Burnout and low morale will kill productivity and increase turnover.
How to avoid it:
- Build a positive work environment by recognizing achievements and celebrating wins.
- Address issues before they snowball.
A happy team is a productive team.
- Not leading by example
If you’re not following the same rules you expect your team to follow, you’re creating a toxic double standard.
How to avoid it:
- Be the leader your team looks up to.
- Show them how it’s done by living your core values, being punctual and staying consistent in your actions.
Avoiding these five common mistakes can transform your team and your restaurant. Remember, great management starts with clear communication, consistent feedback and a commitment to empowering your team to succeed.
Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more helpful restaurant management video tips.
