How to Conduct Effective Pre-Shift Meetings

In law enforcement parlance, a "lineup" is a procedure to identify criminal offenders. You "line up" the suspects, bring in witnesses, and hopefully find the perpetrator.

Likewise, at one time, restaurant managers would line up the staff before a shift and inspect them from head to toe. Untrimmed nails? Dirty uniform? Book 'em! You were sent home for these sins, but not before you were berated in front of your peers. No wonder, restaurant workers adopted "lineup" to describe a pre-shift meeting.

Today, the lineup is more akin to a preflight inspection. As the manager, you are the "pilot" of the next shift. Before you take off, you need to ensure that the airplane is airworthy and the crew is ready. You discuss the flight plan and check the weather. You need to read down the checklist. Whether you are preparing for a flight or a restaurant shift, it's easier to correct problems and communicate objectives before you take off.

While modern management practices have changed the spirit of the "lineup," the term remains in use. Call it a lineup or pre-shift meeting, it's a valuable management tool.