🌱Ditch the Manager Meetings: Why One-on-Ones Are Your Secret Weapon

A 3 min read.

As independent restaurant owners and operators, time is one of your most valuable resources. Every moment counts, especially when juggling the myriad tasks that come with running a successful establishment. Traditional manager meetings, often packed with updates and varying agendas, can feel like a drain on this precious resource. It's time to rethink this approach and consider the benefits of one-on-one meetings instead.

Here’s The Problem with Traditional Manager Meetings

Manager meetings are usually a staple in restaurant management. However, they often become sessions filled with updates that could easily be communicated via email or during daily interactions. Here's why they may not be the best use of your team's time:

1. Different Skill Levels and Agendas: In a typical manager meeting, attendees are at various skill levels and have different priorities. This can lead to disjointed discussions, lack of engagement and a lack of focus on what truly matters.   

2. Information Overload: Meetings packed with updates can lead to information overload, making it hard for managers to retain and act on what's important.

3. Time Consumption: These meetings can consume valuable time that could be better spent on the floor, interacting with staff, enhancing recipes and addressing immediate issues.

If you’d like help navigating make the change from meetings to one-on-ones with your leadership team, I can help. Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

The Importance of Alignment and Connection

While it's crucial for everyone to be on the same page regarding the business vision and goals, this alignment doesn't necessarily require frequent group meetings. Connection, camaraderie, and teamwork are essential, but there are more efficient ways to achieve these without lengthy, unfocused gatherings.

Alternatives to Traditional Meetings

Here are some effective alternatives to foster connection and ensure alignment without the inefficiencies of traditional manager meetings:

1. One-on-One Meetings: These personalized sessions allow for focused, meaningful conversations tailored to each manager's needs and development. Here are tips for effective one-on-ones:

   - Set Clear Agendas: Have a specific focus for each meeting. Discuss performance, goals, and any challenges the manager is facing.

   - Use Active Listening: Make these sessions a safe space for managers to voice their concerns and ideas.

   - Provide Constructive Feedback: Use this time to offer targeted feedback and guidance, helping managers grow and improve.

2. Daily Pre-Shift Meetings: Short, focused meetings held at the start of each day can help ensure everyone is aligned on daily goals and tasks without delving into extensive updates. If your team comes in at staggered times, take 5 minutes at the beginning of each shift to give them updates. 

3. Regular Team-Building Activities: Foster camaraderie and teamwork through regular activities outside of the usual work environment. This could be a team lunch, an outing, or even a fun, informal gathering at the end of a busy week.

Tips for Running More Effective Meetings

If you decide to continue with traditional manager meetings, here are some tips to make them more effective:

1. Have a Clear Agenda: Outline the purpose and topics of the meeting in advance to keep discussions focused and relevant. Keep the agenda short inorder to make time for conversation and questions.

2. Limit Meeting Time: Keep meetings short and to the point. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the topics. According to research, engagement levels start declining after 30 minutes. 

3. Encourage Participation: Ensure all attendees have the opportunity to speak and contribute. This can prevent the meeting from being dominated by a few voices. A great way to do this is to have a different manager present a topic each week about their expertise in the restaurant.   

4. Follow Up: Send a summary of the meeting with key takeaways and action items to ensure everyone is clear on what was discussed and what needs to be done. This will help keep your team on task and you hold them accountable if tasks are not being completed.

While traditional manager meetings have their place, they often aren't the most efficient way to ensure alignment and foster connection. By shifting towards one-on-one meetings and incorporating other strategies for team-building and daily alignment, restaurant owners and operators can make better use of their time and enhance the effectiveness of their management teams. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where every manager feels heard, supported, and aligned with the restaurant's vision, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and successful team.

To start rethinking your team communication and development, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. To grow your leadership in just 5 minutes a day, join my 12 Day Leadership Challenge.

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱Mentally Fit Hospitality (What 'The Bear' is Not)

A 2 min read.

Picture this: a cramped kitchen filled with the clanging of pots and pans, the constant shouting of orders, and the hurried footsteps of overworked chefs. The air is thick with tension as the team struggles to keep up with the relentless pace of dinner service. Mistakes are made, tempers flare, and the pressure mounts with every passing minute. This chaotic scene, vividly portrayed in the TV show The Bear, is a stark example of an unmentally fit team.

In such an environment, the toll on mental health is palpable. Stress and burnout are rampant, and the team’s ability to function effectively and harmoniously is compromised. Unlike the fictional portrayal in The Bear, a mentally fit team operates with resilience, clear communication, and a balanced approach to challenges.

If the scenario above feels uncomfortably familiar to you, I can help. Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

What is Mental Fitness?

Mental fitness refers to the state of your mental health and well-being. It involves the ability to manage emotions effectively, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook on life. For restaurant owners and operators, mental fitness is crucial as it directly impacts your ability to lead and maintain a thriving business.

Being mentally fit means having the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changes, and maintain emotional balance during tough times. It allows you to regulate your emotions, maintain healthy relationships with your team, and achieve important goals.

Like physical fitness, mental fitness is not a static state but a continuous process requiring ongoing effort and attention. It can be improved with regular practice and the right strategies.

Mental Fitness in the Hospitality Industry

In hospitality, we pride ourselves on being some of the hardest working, most adaptable, and highly functional people around. We juggle long hours, manage countless problems during shifts, and run every station with expertise. We are true badasses!

However, this relentless drive comes at a mental cost. Managing costs, ingredients, product consistency, and guest satisfaction is an all-encompassing task. It’s easy to carry work home, both mentally and physically. As leaders, we often extend our guidance beyond our shifts, sometimes even on our days off.

Over the years, I’ve realized that while I excel at giving, I struggle with receiving – whether it’s help from others or time for myself. My passion for hospitality stems from a desire for connection with both staff and guests. I love saying yes to guest requests whenever possible.

I've spent much of my career pushing forward with relentless ambition, always striving to prove myself. Yet, in hindsight, the times I allowed myself to slow down – to meditate, exercise, or simply rest – were the periods of greatest growth and success. Balancing rest and action has been key to building resilience and achieving sustained development. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that these small changes made a significant impact on my well-being and effectiveness as a leader. Here are three practical tips to help you and your team achieve mental fitness:

3 Tips to Achieve Mental Fitness

1. Prioritize Self-Care:

Just like scheduling a staff meeting or a service shift, make time for self-care. Whether it's meditation, a massage, or a workout, prioritize activities that help you recharge. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining mental health and resilience.

2. Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks to your team. This not only prevents burnout but also empowers your staff by giving them more responsibility and trust.

3. Practice Mindfulness:

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Simple techniques like deep breathing, mindful walking, or a few moments of meditation can help you stay grounded and reduce stress. Mindfulness enhances your ability to handle the pressures of the hospitality industry with a calm and focused mind.

Painting the Picture

Now, imagine your team again, but this time in a real restaurant setting. The kitchen is a hive of calm efficiency, with chefs collaborating effortlessly. The front-of-house staff glides through their tasks, intuitively meeting the needs of every guest. Communication is clear, energy is positive, and the restaurant operates like a well-oiled machine. The atmosphere is welcoming, guests are delighted, and your team is both capable and connected.

This is the power of mental fitness – a harmonious, efficient, and resilient team, ready to face anything. Prioritize mental fitness, and watch your restaurant and team flourish like never before.

To learn more about mental fitness, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. To grow your leadership in just 5 minutes a day, join my 12 Day Leadership Challenge.

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱 3 Powerful Ways Meditation Transforms Restaurant Leadership

A 2 min read.

In the fast-paced world of restaurants, stress and pressure can often feel like constants. As restaurant owners and operators, you're juggling a mountain of tasks, managing a different team everyday, and ensuring guest satisfaction—all while striving for growth and profitability. Incorporating a simple practice like meditation into your daily routine can provide significant benefits, enhancing both your personal well-being and business operations. Let's explore three key benefits of meditation and how just 10 minutes a day can transform your life and leadership.

1. Reduced Stress

Stress is a common challenge in the restaurant industry. The daily hustle, unexpected issues, varying sleep schedule and long hours can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress. When you meditate, you engage in deep breathing and mindfulness, which helps calm the mind and body. This practice activates the body's relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and reducing the impact of stress.

How Could This Impact Your Business?

Lower stress levels mean you can think more clearly, make better decisions, and maintain a positive environment in your restaurant. A calm leader sets the tone for the entire team, leading to improved morale and productivity.

If stress is impacting your performance as a leader-I’ve been there and can help. Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

2. Increased Patience

Running a restaurant requires immense patience every single shift. Whether you're dealing with a challenging guest, a vendor issue, or staff conflicts, maintaining composure is crucial. Meditation enhances your ability to remain patient by training your mind to stay present and focused, rather than reacting impulsively.

How Could This Impact Your Business?

Increased patience allows you to handle stressful situations with grace, leading to more effective conflict resolution and better relationships with your team and customers. A patient leader is viewed as reliable and trustworthy, fostering a more cohesive and motivated team.

3. Enhanced Problem Solving

In the restaurant industry, quick and effective problem-solving is essential. Meditation sharpens your cognitive functions, improving your ability to think critically and creatively. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you enhance your capacity to approach problems with a clear and open mind, considering multiple perspectives and solutions.

How Could This Impact Your Business?

With enhanced problem-solving skills, you can address operational challenges more efficiently, innovate menu offerings, and streamline processes. This proactive approach can lead to increased guest satisfaction and overall business growth.

Busting the Myth: You Don't Have to Be "Good" at Meditation

A common misconception about meditation is that you need to be "good" at it or achieve a certain level of expertise to reap its benefits. The truth is, meditation is a practice, and like any skill, it improves over time. The key is consistency, not perfection. Even if your mind wanders or you find it difficult to stay focused, the act of meditating regularly can still provide significant benefits.

The Power of Just 10 Minutes a Day

You might wonder how much impact a short meditation session can have. Studies show that even 10 minutes of meditation a day can lead to noticeable improvements in mental clarity, emotional stability, and stress reduction. This small investment of time can yield substantial returns in your quality of life and business operations.

Resources and Apps to Get Started

Ready to incorporate meditation into your routine? Here are some free resources and apps to help you get started:

1. Headspace: Offers a variety of guided meditations, including a beginner's course.

2. Calm: Provides guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can be a game-changer for both your personal well-being and your restaurant operations. By reducing stress, increasing patience, and enhancing problem-solving skills, meditation helps you become a more effective and resilient leader. Remember, you don't have to be an expert—just 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Give it a try and watch how this simple practice can transform your life and business.

Interested in learning more about improving your personal well-being and restaurant operations? Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

🌱 Mastering Mental Fitness: Transforming Chaos into Calm for Hospitality Leaders

A 3 min read.

Picture this: It’s a busy Friday night at your restaurant. The kitchen is backed up with orders, guests are waiting in the entryway as you are running behind on their reservations, and there’s a mistake in a large party’s bill that needs your immediate attention. Your stress levels are through the roof. You feel overwhelmed, reactive, and it seems like the chaos will never end. You snap at your staff, your decision-making is impaired, and the whole team feels the tension.

Now imagine the same scenario, but this time, you’ve invested in your mental fitness. You remain calm and composed, effectively communicating with your team, delegating tasks with clarity, and solving problems with a level-headed approach. The kitchen still has a lot of orders, the guests are still waiting for their tables, and there’s still a mistake in the bill, but your response is different. The energy you bring to the situation helps diffuse tension, keeps your team focused, and ensures the night runs smoother despite the challenges. This is what mental fitness looks and feels like.

What is Mental Fitness?

Mental fitness refers to the capacity to respond to life’s challenges with a positive rather than a negative mindset. It’s about strengthening your mind to handle stress, improve decision-making, and maintain emotional balance. Just like physical fitness requires regular exercise, mental fitness involves practices that build resilience, focus, and positivity.

Shirzad Chamine, in his book, Positive Intelligence, introduces the concept of mental fitness through the framework of identifying and managing our inner saboteurs. Saboteurs are the voices in your head that generate negative emotions as you handle life's everyday challenges. They represent the automatic patterns in your mind for how to think, feel, and respond. Your Saboteurs cause all of your stress, anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, restlessness, and unhappiness.

If stress, anxiety, frustration, self-doubt and unhappiness is impacting your performance as a leader-I’ve been there and can help. Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

Saboteurs and Their Impact on Restaurant Leaders

Chamine identifies ten saboteurs, each with a unique way of manifesting in our lives. As a restaurant leader, understanding these saboteurs can help you recognize how they might be affecting your work and your team.

1. The Judge: This is the master saboteur that finds fault with yourself, others, and your circumstances. As a leader, the Judge might make you overly critical of your staff’s mistakes, harsh on yourself for any perceived failures, and constantly dissatisfied with how things are running.

2. The Stickler: This saboteur is a perfectionist, pushing for flawless results. In a restaurant setting, the Stickler can cause you to micromanage your team, become overly stressed about minor details, and create an atmosphere of pressure and anxiety.

3. The Controller: The Controller wants to take charge and control everything. This can lead to you being overbearing, not trusting your team, and causing frustration among your staff due to your need for control.

4. The Hyper-Achiever: This saboteur ties your self-worth to success and achievements. As a restaurant leader, the Hyper-Achiever might drive you to set unrealistic goals, work excessively long hours, and neglect personal well-being and relationships in pursuit of success.

5. The People Pleaser: The Pleaser tries to gain acceptance and affection by helping, pleasing, or rescuing others. In your role, this can lead to overcommitting, resenting your team for not working as hard as you, saying yes to every request, and burning out because you’re trying to keep everyone happy.

6. The Restless: The Restless is constantly in search of greater excitement. As a leader, this can result in you frequently changing plans, being easily distracted, and not following through on long-term strategies, causing instability for your team.

7. The Avoider: The Avoider focuses on avoiding difficult and unpleasant tasks and conversations. This can manifest as procrastination on important decisions, ignoring performance issues with staff, and delaying necessary but uncomfortable conversations.

8. The Victim: The Victim feels emotional and temperamental as a way of gaining attention and affection. As a restaurant leader, this can result in you feeling constantly overwhelmed, complaining about how hard things are, and draining your team’s energy with negativity.

9. The Hyper-Rational: This saboteur values the rational mind over emotions and relationships. You might focus excessively on data and logic, neglecting the emotional needs of your team and failing to connect with them on a personal level.

10. The Hyper-Vigilant: The Hyper-Vigilant is constantly anxious and vigilant, fearing that something will go wrong. In a restaurant setting, this can make you overly cautious, stress out your team with your constant worry, and prevent innovative and bold decisions.

Transforming Your Leadership Through Mental Fitness

By identifying these saboteurs, you can start to counteract their negative influence and strengthen your mental fitness. Here’s how focusing on mental fitness can transform your restaurant leadership:

1. Improved Decision-Making: When you’re mentally fit, you’re able to approach problems with a clear, calm mind. This leads to better decisions that are thought through and not driven by stress or panic.

2. Enhanced Communication: A mentally fit leader communicates more effectively, with empathy and clarity. This helps build stronger relationships with your team and improves overall morale.

3. Stress Management: Mental fitness practices, such as mindfulness and self-awareness, help you manage stress better. You remain composed under pressure, setting a positive tone for your team.

4. Boosted Team Performance: As you become more positive and supportive, your team is likely to mirror this behavior. A positive environment boosts productivity, creativity, and overall performance.

5. Increased Resilience: Mental fitness builds your resilience, helping you bounce back from setbacks quickly. This quality is crucial in the dynamic and often unpredictable world of hospitality.

6. Greater Work-Life Balance: With improved mental fitness, you’re better equipped to set boundaries and manage your time effectively, leading to a healthier work-life balance.

How I Can Help

As a coach trained in mental fitness, I can guide you through the process of identifying and managing your saboteurs. Together, we can develop strategies to enhance your mental fitness, leading to improved leadership skills, a more positive work environment, and a thriving restaurant.

Through one-on-one coaching and leadership workshops, I offer tailored support to help you:

- Identify and counteract your saboteurs: Gain awareness of the negative patterns holding you back and learn practical techniques to overcome them.

- Build mental fitness: Develop habits and practices that strengthen your mental resilience and positivity.

- Improve leadership skills: Enhance your communication, decision-making, and stress management abilities.

- Achieve work-life balance: Learn to set boundaries, manage your time effectively, and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Investing in your mental fitness is not just about improving your well-being; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that impacts your entire team and restaurant. Reach out today to start your journey towards becoming a mentally fit and highly effective hospitality leader.

Interested in learning more about mental fitness? Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!

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Chamine, Shirzad. Positive intelligence: Why only 20% of teams and individuals achieve their true potential AND HOW YOU can achieve yours. Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2016.