What do Sports and Hospitality have in Common?

I had a blast meeting Jeremy Wolf this week, Co-Founder of Mindready—a team that coaches athletes on sports psychology.

We related the “athletes” of the restaurant industry to those in sports and found striking similarities.

Although I don't see myself as a sports person, there's no doubt that I'm a true athlete in the hospitality industry.

As an industry athlete, I’ve clocked hours of study, “played” endless shifts, orchestrated “plays” alongside countless teammates, and faced both victories and losses.

I used to dislike it when managers used sports analogies to describe our industry, but the two are surprisingly seamless.

Running a successful restaurant is like coaching a winning team in a high-stakes game.

Just as a coach carefully selects and trains their players, a restaurant manager must hire and train a skilled staff. Each member of the team has a specific role to play, just like the players on a sports team.

The restaurant itself is the playing field, and just as a coach must ensure their team is well-prepared, a manager must ensure that the restaurant is clean, organized, and fully stocked with supplies.

Just like a team needs a game plan, a restaurant needs well-defined procedures and protocols to ensure smooth operations.

During service, the restaurant becomes the arena where the action takes place.

Just as a team needs to communicate and work together effectively to win, the restaurant staff must collaborate seamlessly to provide excellent customer service and deliver high-quality food.

The best managers act as the coach on the sidelines, observing the team's performance and making adjustments when necessary.

In the fast-paced environment of a restaurant, unexpected challenges can arise, just like in a game where the opposition tries to throw the team off balance.

A great manager must be adaptable and make quick decisions to keep the restaurant running smoothly. They must also motivate their team, just as a coach encourages their players to give their best performance.

Ultimately, just as a coach's success is measured by the team's performance, a restaurant manager's success is determined by the restaurant's overall performance, customer satisfaction, and financial results.

Here are some tips on how you can lead your team to victory every shift:

Clear Communication

Effective communication is key to fostering a cohesive environment. In sports, coaches emphasize open lines of communication between team members to ensure everyone is on the same page. Similarly, in a restaurant, encourage regular communication among staff members and promote an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Teamwork and Collaboration

In sports, teamwork is crucial for success. Similarly, in a restaurant, encourage a collaborative work environment where employees support and help one another. Foster a sense of camaraderie by organizing team-building activities and emphasizing the importance of working together towards common goals.

Shared Goals and Vision

In sports, teams rally around a shared goal or vision, such as winning a championship. Similarly, in the restaurant business, establish a clear vision for the establishment and communicate it to the staff. Ensure that everyone understands the objectives and is aligned with the mission of providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience.

Mutual Respect and Recognition

In sports, respect for teammates and opponents is essential. Similarly, in a restaurant, promote a culture of mutual respect among the staff. Encourage employees to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions, and regularly acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements.

Continuous Training and Development

In sports, athletes undergo constant training and development to improve their skills. Likewise, in the restaurant industry, invest in training programs to enhance the skills of your employees. Provide opportunities for growth and development, such as cross-training in different roles or providing access to industry-related workshops and courses.

Positive Leadership

In sports, coaches serve as role models and provide positive leadership to motivate and inspire their teams. As a restaurant manager, lead by example and maintain a positive attitude. Provide constructive feedback and support to your staff, and be approachable and available to address any concerns or challenges they may have.

Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

In sports, teams thrive when they embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing the strengths that each individual brings. In the restaurant business, create an inclusive environment that appreciates and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of your staff. Foster a culture of equality and fairness, where everyone feels valued and included.

By applying these principles from the world of sports to the restaurant business, you can lead your team to victory and build a cohesive, supportive atmosphere that promotes teamwork, excellence, and a positive work environment that will lead to delivering an exceptional dining experience for your guests.

Shoutout to the Denver Nuggets for entertaining us with their thrilling sweep of the LA Lakers!

Be Well,

Christin