People Make Growth Possible

More often it seems we are focusing so much on the process involved in growing our restaurants that we forget about the people! There are systems to develop and operating policies and procedures to follow for sure, but the most important ingredient in the recipe for growth is having the right people in the right place at the right time.

Just as a successful restaurant operator knows that People + Product = Profitability, we have come to realize that building a growth strategy starts with a strong foundation of management and staff.

I often ask my clients to explain why they think their restaurant is successful and ready to grow. After listening to the various explanations, I am stunned by their reaction when I ask them "What does your staff think?"

When we listen to the management and staff discuss what makes their restaurant work, we will also be hearing why they are happy and successful in their jobs. This is important because the work environment "culture" that has been created needs to be understood and nurtured in order for it to grow and include the new members that will be added during growth. In order for a restaurant company to know what it is looking for in management and staff personnel, it is important to first know how it looks to them.

Involving current management and staff is critical in "painting a picture" of the people- process you employ to potential new team members. We have found great success in having existing employees assist in the development of management and staff selection criteria, training guides, job descriptions and other staff operating materials. Powered by the knowledge of how your current work environment succeeds, you will be better prepared to establish the profile of the candidates that will most likely fit it. We have often heard about the square peg and the round hole. In personnel terminology, this normally means having a capable person that wasn't compatible…and that doesn't work.