How to Get Your Restaurant Managers to Do What You Want

Are you tired of feeling frustrated with your management team not meeting your expectations? If you're struggling to get your managers to take action and keep things running smoothly, I've got the perfect solution for you. Let’s talk about the power of clear expectations, effective checklists and consistent rule enforcement to transform your restaurant management team into a motivated, action-oriented force. Learn how to streamline your operations and get your restaurant managers to do what you want!

Getting your restaurant managers to do what you want

It can be incredibly frustrating when your management team isn't taking action or meeting your expectations. But don't worry — I’ve got a simple solution to help you turn things around.

First, let's address the core issue here. Often, the frustration stems from a lack of clear expectations and accountability. Your managers might not know exactly what you expect from them, or they might not be held accountable for their responsibilities. Either way, this lack of clarity and accountability leads to inaction and inconsistency.

One major culprit here is poorly designed checklists. That's right, checklists! If your checklists include vague tasks like "tables angled properly" or "roll silverware," you're setting your team up for failure. These tasks lack clear, actionable instructions, leading to inconsistent task completion and standards.

To fix this, it's crucial to rethink how you're using checklists. A well-designed checklist should be more than just a list of tasks—it should be a foundational tool that helps you communicate your expectations clearly and hold your management team accountable. When done right, checklists are a powerful tool for clarity and consistency in your restaurant. They should outline specific tasks, timelines, and standards, making it easier for your managers to understand and meet your expectations.

For example, instead of saying "check the bathrooms," a more effective checklist would specify: "Ensure that there are at least three rolls of toilet paper, the counters are wiped down, and the mirrors are streak-free every two hours." This level of detail ensures that every manager knows exactly what needs to be done, how it should be done and when it should be completed. It helps impose your standards consistently, making sure that everything is done your way every single day.

Moreover, checklists ensure that critical tasks, such as opening, closing, and side work, are completed accurately and on time. This not only helps maintain the quality of service but also builds a culture where details are prioritized and valued.

Consistency in rule enforcement is another critical area where many restaurants struggle. Employees can become frustrated when one manager strictly enforces a rule, like a no-cell-phone policy, while others don't. This inconsistency can undermine the authority of the strict manager and create confusion and resentment among the rest of the staff. To combat this, every manager needs to know the rules thoroughly and enforce them consistently. This uniformity helps prevent the perception of unfair treatment and maintains discipline and order in the restaurant.

Accountability plays a significant role in this process. Managers should not only be familiar with the rules but also held accountable for enforcing them. Regular check-ins to ensure rules are being consistently applied and addressing any deviations immediately are essential steps.

Delegation is a critical skill for any restaurant owner, but it's often easier said than done. To delegate effectively, you need to communicate clearly what tasks need to be done, how well they should be done, and when they should be completed. Start by setting clear expectations. This might involve asking for volunteers for specific projects or having managers outline the steps they will take to complete their main job duties. This approach not only clarifies what's expected but also engages your managers in the process, making them more likely to take ownership of the tasks.

Effective delegation also involves a cycle of inspecting, verifying, and coaching. This means not just handing off tasks but following up to ensure that they're completed and completed to your standard. This follow-up is crucial for maintaining high standards and building trust between you and your managers.

To truly unleash a manager's potential, it's essential to clearly define their role and identify the qualities of a good manager. A good manager should not only be a competent leader but also demonstrate a clear understanding of what's necessary to run a successful restaurant. Regular training and development opportunities are key techniques to improve your manager's performance. Whether through manager meetings or external training programs, continuous learning helps managers stay on top of best practices and any emerging trends in the industry.

Motivation and recognition are also powerful tools to encourage and reward managers for their performance. Recognizing their efforts and achievements can go a long way to boost morale and foster a positive work environment. Successful delegation involves more than just assigning tasks. It requires a systematic approach to inspecting, coaching, and following up. Setting milestones and recognizing achievement upon completion of each one of these tasks is essential for keeping managers motivated and on track.

Feedback is another crucial element of the delegation process. Providing constructive feedback helps managers understand what they're doing well and where they can improve. This ongoing feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement and helps ensure that delegation efforts are successful.

The restaurant industry is dynamic and ever-changing, making continuous improvements and training essential for any restaurant's success. Regular training not only helps managers keep up with industry standards but also addresses specific areas where they can improve. Assessing training needs and implementing targeted training plans is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your training efforts. This should involve a mix of in-house training sessions and opportunities for external education.

Implementing clear expectations, accountability, and effective delegation are key to transforming your management team into a motivated, action-oriented force. By using detailed checklists, enforcing rules consistently, and mastering the art of delegation, you can ensure that your restaurant operates smoothly and efficiently. Taking these steps will not only improve the performance of your management team but also lead to better overall results for your business. 

Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more helpful restaurant management video tips.