Monday, May 17, 2010 at 6:34PMDo You Use "Mushroom Communication" in Your Restaurant?
Success in Restaurants Requires a Unified Team
I'm a big fan of Financial Freedom Evangelist Dave Ramsey and his debt-free-no-credit-card platform on which he teaches. My wife and I are two-time graduates of his Financial Peace University, having wiped out most of our debt and all of our credit card debt.
Dave's also a pretty funny guy. His down-home, Tennessee styled quips will keep anyone listening to him. He wrote a little piece on Team Unity as it relates to the workplace and I thought I'd share it (abbreviated) as all five points he covers hit home for anyone in a leadership role in restaurants.
- Poor Communication - Dave describes many leaders' styles of communication as Mushroom Communication, "Keep them in the dark and feed them manure." Successful teamwork within your restaurant must include a culture of effective communication.
- Gossip - He describes gossip as discussing anything with anyone who can't solve the problem. Always discuss any negatives "up the chain of command" to someone with the power to do something about it. Discuss positives "downward", giving recognition and reward on the front lines, where it's most deserved.
- Unresolved Disagreements - They will destroy unity. Whether the leader is unaware or refuses to confront the situation, the team will lose. A good restaurant manager will act quickly to diffuse disagreements.
- Lack of a Shared Goal - This is caused when a leader doesn't adequately cast the vision for the team. Measure everything the team does by the mission statement and broadcast the unified communications accordingly.
- Sanctioned Incompetence - Dave says unaddressed destructive attitudes will quickly demoralize a team. Don't tolerate a team member who will not do their job.
Effective leadership in restaurants requires that you address these issues in your store often and consistently. And remember, if you're leading and nobody's following, you're just taking a walk!
Reader Comments (1)
I laughed myself out of my chair when I read your definition of Mushroom management. This straight between the eyes concept is exceptional...you have a new fan!