Use this One Key Question to Improve Staff Accountability & Performance in Your Independent Restaurant

Performance reviews are often one of the most dreaded tasks of any independent restaurant owner or manager. As challenging as they might be, regular feedback is a MUST to build an engaged and committed team.

Skip the forms and awkward conversations. Begin each new restaurant staff review process by asking yourself this one simple question:

"Would I hire this person again?"

If the answer is "YES," then list out why. Are they dependable, and self-controlled? Are they focused when they're at work? Do they act with integrity, and are they a team player? How can they improve? Share your answers with the employee. They'll appreciate the feedback and be motivated to earn more positive reviews.

If the answer is "NO," then ask, why? Did I make a hiring mistake? If it was a poor hiring decision, you'll first need to have an honest discussion with the employee about their future at your restaurant. Then, improve your restaurant staff hiring systems to avoid future hiring mistakes.

We all need people who will give us feedback. That's how we improve.
- Bill Gates

If it wasn't a hiring mistake, ask yourself, did I set this person up for success? Did they have the training, tools, and equipment needed to do their job? Did I provide the culture and leadership needed to motivate and inspire? If you didn't provide them with what they needed, now you know what you need to do. Share what you've learned with the person and what you're planning to do (like provide additional training). They'll see that you want them to succeed and as a result, be more motivated to perform at a higher level.

By providing feedback to your independent restaurant team, you instill a culture of clear expectations, recognition, continuous improvement, and predictability. Don't put off providing your team with feedback to know how they’re doing and provide the impetus to help them improve and grow. Ask yourself this simple question to begin the review process today.

For more restaurant staffing best practices, read How to Keep Marginal Employees From Going Bad and check out 10 Interview Questions Restaurant Operators Should Ask to optimize hiring in your independent restaurant.

Have a profitable week!

The RestaurantOwner.com Team