How to Define Culture in Your Organization
Tyler and I have been privileged to explore Mexico for over a decade, discovering its vibrant culture with each annual visit. From savoring local dishes to experiencing the warmth of Mexican hospitality; it's breathtaking scenery that draws us back every year - not forgetting all those colorful beach stalls selling homemade goods! Tucson reminds me a lot of Mexico, maybe partly because of its Mexican influence. But it's more than that. There is a ton of pride in local; in fact, 67% of restaurants in Tucson are locally owned! The people here are warm, welcoming, and incredibly supportive of newcomers looking to slow down and take in a little more sunshine.
As I spend more and more time getting to know local restaurants in Tucson, I find myself reflecting on the culture of the companies I’ve worked for as well as the cultures (some great and some not so great) that I've created in each restaurant I’ve worked in. I’ve spoken with many business owners who are eager to define their culture for their business but are not sure where to start. I thought I’d spend time today diving deeper into the importance of culture in business and providing an exercise on how to Define your Values for your business.
The influence of culture is an undeniable force that shapes the way we think, act, and interact with each other, and this impact can be observed not only on a country's broader societal norms and values but also on the day-to-day operations of small businesses like restaurants.
As a restaurant owner, your team is the backbone of your business. However, it’s not just about making sure everyone works hard - you need to create a positive culture that fosters growth and development. Culture is what sets your restaurant apart from the rest, and it’s essential to define what it means to your company. In this blog post, we will explore how to define culture in your organization and how to implement it in a way that enhances your team's performance.
Start with a Clear Vision and Values
Culture begins with a clear vision of what you want to achieve for your restaurant. Establishing values such as integrity, teamwork, respect, and fun provides a foundation for creating a culture of success. By sharing your vision and values with your team, you create a sense of purpose that ties everyone together. Use these values to evaluate your actions, make decisions, and hold your team accountable.
Encourage Communication Through Openness
Communication is key to any relationship, and the relationship between an employer and their team shares communication at the forefront. To build a strong culture, create an open-door policy where team members can come to you with concerns, ideas, or feedback at any time. With openness comes trust and respect, giving your team the freedom to express themselves and contribute to the success of your restaurant. Monty Moran talks about the importance of being vulnerable, curious and empowering his team in Love is Free. Guac is Extra. Check out chapter 14 about communication.
Implement Training and Development Programs
Investing in your team's training and development is critical to your restaurant's success. Set up educational programs that teach specific skills and strategies for your team members to perform their jobs successfully. By providing opportunities to learn, grow, and improve, you instill a sense of value that motivates them to do their best. This not only benefits their personal growth but also contributes to the growth of your business. Many tech companies such as Toast and 7Shifts have downloads you can use to create training programs. One thing we did at Snooze and Sweet Cow that was very effective were monthly manager workshops that focused on leadership skills training and company initiatives. The time we set aside for our managers helped them prepare for important conversations they needed to have with their teams and build a network and community of their peer leaders.
Set the Tone with Leadership
The culture of your restaurant begins with you. Be a positive role model for your team by setting the tone for their behavior and reflecting the values you want to emphasize. Demonstrate humility, accountability, and empathy in how you treat your team and customers. Develop a leadership style that inspires your team to do their best work and achieve their goals and don’t be afraid to be messy.
Celebrate Success and Have Fun
Lastly, make time to celebrate successes and have fun with your team. It’s essential to enjoy what you do and to remind team members of their accomplishments, big or small. Celebrating achievements shows that you value their contributions and that their hard work pays off. This boosts morale and fosters a positive culture that inspires everyone to keep working hard.
Creating a positive culture in your restaurant takes time and effort, but it's well worth the investment. By establishing your vision and values, encouraging open communication, providing training and development opportunities, setting the tone through leadership, and celebrating successes, you build a cohesive team that’s motivated and excited to work. By working to create and maintain a strong culture, you’re investing in your restaurant's success, your team's happiness, and your customer's satisfaction.
