209: Transforming Restaurant Managers Into Leaders

Running Restaurants

In this episode, RunningRestaurants.com founder Jaime Oikle hosts Jason Brooks, the founder and CEO of HospiVation, who shares his expertise on leadership in the restaurant industry from his book, Every Leader Needs Followers. Brooks discusses the importance of understanding KPIs, the benefits of systematic leadership, and the need for effective delegation. He emphasizes the value of an "owner-like orientation" for new employees and the significance of one-on-one reviews for building team relationships.

Brooks also highlights his goal to support Giving Kitchen by selling 10,000 copies of his book. The episode offers practical advice for restaurant managers to improve their leadership skills and make a community impact, including:

• Importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) and systematic leadership approach
• Mastering KPIs and understanding brand-level, multi-unit, and store-level KPIs
• Importance of breaking down large targets into smaller, manageable goals
• Enhancing employee onboarding processes and instilling an ownership mentality
• Effective delegation and structured training
• Challenges of delegation and the impact of leadership mindset on team development
• Engaging in one-on-one reviews and building relationships with team members
• Leading with the right mindset: managing, leading, and coaching

Timestamps and other highlights from the episode include:

• Mastering Your KPIs (00:05:45)

Understanding and managing key performance indicators in the restaurant industry.

• Owner-Like Orientation (00:13:43)

Improving the onboarding process by instilling an owner mentality in new hires.

• Delegate by Creating Mini Games (00:20:43)

Effective delegation by prioritizing tasks, identifying strengths, and proper training techniques.

• Delegating (00:24:43)

Reasons for poor delegation: lack of understanding, trust issues, power hoarding.

• Engaging with One-on-Ones (00:26:50)

Importance of regular one-on-one check-ins, listening more than talking, building relationships.

• Leading with the Right Mindset (00:32:36)

Differentiating managing, leading, and coaching mindsets, their tactics and styles.

• Supporting Giving Kitchen (00:37:09)

Jason Brooks' mission to donate $30,000 in 30 days through book sales, and how to help.

Be sure to check out the episode. Find out more at https://www.jasonebrooks.com and https://www.runningrestaurants.com.