We love and promote our industry as one of high performing teams who live with the thrill of service, and the high of happy customers consuming and returning as a regular to enjoy our dream.
To keep building our dreams and see them continue to flourish training is key. High performing teams are something New Zealand is known for in the sports arena (think Emirates Team New Zealand, the All Blacks). There are some true and time tested principles we can continue to apply from sports teams to see our staff and teams grow and development keep increasing.
A few principles to help us succeed with our teams and training:
- Reiterate the vision, dream, and how each person fits in. This creates greater purpose and commitment to their job and the impact of their actions is more relevant.
- Have a plan written down and shared with others. This creates accountability and motivation to see outcomes occur, both for senior management/owners and staff.
- Create measurable outcomes to be able to track increased knowledge and skill. Do this interactively with each team member so they can connect and commit to their own goal and how it builds towards the greater vision.
- Focus on one learning area at a time and create mastery. Once someone has gained the basic skills for their role and responsibilities help them to focus on one area to develop and master. This creates increased motivation, self-confidence and faster learning outcomes.
- Keep going back to basics. Sports teams who are skilled but not seeing outcomes frequently go back to the basic skills which are the foundation blocks for all others and this results in improved team performance. Maybe it’s time for a quick carrying three plates challenge in your next staff meeting.
- Know your team and have them understand each other. This can be as simple as conversations about what are the values and personal characteristics that each person in the team considers important. Simple free personality tests online (16personalities.com is a good one) help employees to learn about each other’s approach to life. The main thing about this area is understanding is fostered. This does not mean we all agree with each other but we are creating a place where we show kindness, respect and care as our foundation.
There are many training resources available both online and through the Restaurant Association.
- RA – Performance Improvement Plan Template (PIP)
- RA – Professional Development Seminars and Webinars
- RA – Mentoring programme
- Lessonly.com
- 16personalities.com
Engaged and fulfilled employees will see the business grow and the loyalty of our customers increase. Enjoy building the dream and including as many as you can along the way.
