Restaurant Social Media
Are you a Team Player?
What exactly is a "team player"? We hear the word teamwork often in the work place, especially in the restaurant industry. But is teamwork really something that's put into practice at work? I've always defined Teamwork as simply this: "A group of people working together to achieve a common goal". Here's what Webster's has to say: "Cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause. Work done with a team." I guess I'm not too far off. But the reality still seems to be this: "That's not my job". Or, "Why do I always get asked to do it"? Hmmmm? Team Player? I think not! A quote by Benjamin Jowett says, "The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them." I think he had the right idea. I'm not saying to pick up everyone's slack at work or even at home. But think about it this way... if you are a leader in your workplace how about this... lead by example, it can be contagious.
Am I a Team Player? I like to think so. I've noticed several changes in people at work within the last few months just because I'm a silent leader. If you set the standard, and keep that standard, help out without being asked, maybe do a little bit of someone else's work just to help out... who knows who'll be watching and learn from your example.
What are some other ideas about teamwork and making it work for you? I'd love to hear feedback and input. Thanks for your time :)
Am I a Team Player? I like to think so. I've noticed several changes in people at work within the last few months just because I'm a silent leader. If you set the standard, and keep that standard, help out without being asked, maybe do a little bit of someone else's work just to help out... who knows who'll be watching and learn from your example.
What are some other ideas about teamwork and making it work for you? I'd love to hear feedback and input. Thanks for your time :)
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Sallie on -
I think teamwork is essential..you should always strive to help out whenever and where ever needed, which is how our kitchen is run..each person can do the other's job if needed. Including the KM's...one incredible person I work with always says.."there is no i in team" and "it takes teamwork to make the dreamwork"!
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Paz on -
Maybe the Europeans aren't as receptive to career Professional Waiters as somemay think, See the UK article link below.
Paul www.Waitersworld.com
Hospitality operators must give waiters more credit (caterersearch.com UK 6.11.08)
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/WaitersWorld/message/6647
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Paz on
-
Oops... Wrong discussion topic.
Maybe the Europeans aren't as receptive to career Professional Waiters as somemay think, See the UK article link below.
Paul www.Waitersworld.com
-
Permalink Reply by Nora on -
I agree, teamwork is totally essential! Besides that, in the end of the day it makes any of our jobs easier. I used to be a silent leader, but then I learned that always being silent just put more work on me. Enlisting the help of managers is always great, and also just saying things outloud (in a positive light, of course) is sometimes necessary.
-
Permalink Reply by Jeff Tenut on -
I agree, the managers should be leading the teamwork campaign. Whether you are a manager, trainer or employee, you can be the catalyst. Start by helping others when you have spare time. You might feel abused at first because you are trying to help and not seeing the fruits of your labor. Don't stop helping, they’re evaluating you…deciding if this is a temporary thing or if you are sincere in your attempts. In every case, “give like you expect nothing in return” and you might be the one who changes your entire work environment.
For those of you on FohBoh who are employees or in-store trainers, tell your manager about what you are going to do and ask them to support you to improve productivity and sales…they like to hear that! ;)
Many companies have gone to territory coverage to force teamwork. I think it works good at some restaurants and others not. This is where you may be a Server of your 4 table station and 2 other Servers might water, tea or coffee all of the tables in the 3 stations...saving you time. These same Servers might will look for one another’s food in the window and deliver it…The only problem I have seen so far are the clicks that are forming and want the same experienced Servers in their territory every time. I’ve seen behaviors like these on “Meerkat Manor”!
Jeff T
-
Permalink Reply by Andy Swingley on -
Don't forget the key component to a great team player is taking care of their own areas first! Whether it be server, bartender, manager, host, do your job first before you move on to helping others.
Watch any major sport team and you will see they have a position to play before they can create an assist.
-
Permalink Reply by Andy Swingley on
-
Wasn't the "Chain" as you know....it was a great Mom and Dad and some damn fine mentors along the way....don't you worry I am just naive enough to believe I can change a major chains way of doing business come hell or high water.
I have this bruise on my forehead though from occassionally banging my head against things.....
-
Permalink Reply by Kendra on -
thank you all so much for your replies. i'll respond more when i'm home from vacation!
-
Permalink Reply by Daniel Clements on -
I've had several employees try "That's not what I was hired for.." ( one was 1 hour into his first shift!) needless to say they are current seeking jobs elsewhere.
I despise that attitude and will not tollerate it in my kitchen.
Cheers
-
Permalink Reply by Izumi's on -
Two things I can recommend, 1) Move on, they would not to be good cook for you anyway. that's thier loss. 2) have a job list & employee's hand book to make it clear what's their duties & rights.
-
Permalink Reply by Izumi's on
-
I used to play doubles tennis. Every player has weak point or better part, so, cover & support your partners weak points, then your partner would do the same....this is the team work. But behind that, you must put effort to develope the trusted relationship. I'm not talking about you do somenoe-else's job for her or him, just be kind to help co-worker to learn things. I know some people says,"that's not my job", but you must realize that you are not doing it to someone, you are doing to yourself. Try to be there for them, trust me your day would be much better & feel like California's Blue Sky!!!
-
Permalink Reply by Mike Keegan on -
I posted a blog on using a tool called Foodservice Rewards. In a nutshell, operators receive free reward points from more than 60 different food brands and use the points to redeem reward items. Rewards are an incredibly powerful tool in motivating people - many operators use their points to reward employees for consistently being on time, for their employment anniversary, for picking up an extra shift or for going above and beyond the call of duty. The blog post is called 'Challenging times in foodservice', the web site to start earning rewards is www.foodservicerewards.com. It's free to join - seriously, no strings attached and since it's the end of the day (for me anyway) and I'm feeling generous, enter this code during enrollment and I'll give you 500 points, just for joining. 521H-HHH9-C141
Advertisement
Industry News
Food + Tech
Events
Videos
© 2012 Created by FohBoh.
