Are you a highly effective restaurant manager?

​Restaurant management isn’t for everyone. The frenetic pace and constant pressure can be overwhelming for many people. Effective restaurant managers need to balance the needs of staff, customers and the business while dealing with the  problems that pop-up on a daily basis

Scheduling. Take note of who is working, when they are working and who is available to work if someone doesn’t show up for his or her shift. Effective managers post schedules well enough in advance for employees to receive notice, which enables them to be prepared for the week.

• Special Tasks. Do a walk-through of the front and back of the house and take note of any special tasks that can be completed during slow hours. Small things like cleaning so that nobody is fooling around when there is no other work to do.
• Be strict but fair. It can be hard to be the “bad guy” but maintaining the same level of consequences for all employees will gain you their respect and confidence in the long run.
• Encourage staff. Give your staff positive feedback and let them know when they’re doing a great job. It's very important to them and a real good reason for the others to try harder.
• Be a good listener. Give your staff the opportunity to be a part of the discussion during decision-making. This will make them feel more valued in the restaurant. It doesn't mean that you will follow what they say but to listen to what they have to say. 
• Be the first face they see.  An effective manager stays until the last employee has completed all side-work. You ensure that the job is done and you will face no surprises the next day.
• Jump in whenever is needed. Having a good understanding of every position in the restaurant is important, so that you can jump in where you’re needed. You show them your leadership's skills and they respect you for helping them
• Solve every problem immediately. If someone lets you know there is a customer complaint or other pressing issue, drop what you’re doing and give it the attention it deserves.
• Discuss the problems but focus on solutions. Focusing on the problem only brings everyone down with you. Focus on reaching a solution, is building positive environment.
• Be the one that greets the customers. You are the face of the restaurant. You need to greet and interact with at least 50% of the customers that come in. No matter how many problems you face every moment, remember to find time for customers. They are the reason you have a job.
• Start everything with a "yes". Be open to the needs of your customers. Sometimes it may be an impossible request, but always start by saying “yes” and try to explain them how difficult it is. If you try to meet their needs, they will be much more forgiving if you won't be able to manage it.
• Kitchen is your goal keeper. Even if you are doing everything well the kitchen is the main reason of your success or your failure. Have always a friendly attitude when you deal with the cooks or the kitchen Chef. They will help you in every situation and they will assist you  when having "strange customer requests"
• Get active in online communities: Talk to colleagues, fellow students, mentors, friends, and diners about any problem,  they rely on to solve problems, answering questions etc.
• Read related-industry blogs  You know that restaurant management is about much more than the day-to-day of running a restaurant. Keep your skills sharp with blogs that dish on digital marketing, social media, human resources, management & leadership. It will help you a lot !!!
• Check the online reputation websites. Do you know the basics of online reputation management? Get familiar. It’s one of the most important aspects of today’s hospitality biz, where online reviews, ratings and public opinion can upgrade or break a Hotel Restaurant or an individual restaurant.
• Follow the best. Sometimes, you can draw inspiration from the Internet’s best examples of restaurant marketing and social sharing. See what the best ones do about their marketing and learn from their best practices.
• Build your reputation.  Building your own blog, becoming a top commenter on online forums,social media, can help you build your personal brand as a restaurant manager.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."    Mahatma Gandhi

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