Throughout your life you’ve probably worked a lot of different jobs, with a lot of different co-workers and had your fair share of bosses. The type of boss you have can really make a difference to your job: how you view it, feel about it and ultimately work it. It’s no secret that a happier workforce makes for a more productive product, which in turn leads to increased loyalty among your patrons. With that in mind, as a bar or restaurant owner, you need to ask yourself: What kind of boss am I? Am I the boss that employees love, the one that is despised, the one that rewards workers for a job well done, or am I somewhere in the middle? Aspire to be the boss that your employees both respect and adore; the benefits will become more than evident.
Be caring
As a well-liked leader, you will find that your employees are more willing to go the extra mile in their roles. Being likable toward your employees doesn’t necessarily mean granting every time-off request or allowing your employees to forego their responsibilities, but rather it means to really be there for them. Show your workers that you care about them past the value that they bring to your establishment — you care about the person they are as well. Caring about your employees doesn’t have to come through grand gestures but rather can be shown by doing the little things like remembering their birthday or asking about things they’re passionate about. Paying attention to the little things can make a huge difference.
Have an open mind
Your employees have a unique viewpoint on your establishment because they have both an outside perspective from management and an inside one as a member of your staff. With that in mind, listen to your employees. Oftentimes upper management can be narrow-minded toward change or fixes to problems due to the stake they have in the establishment. As a boss, you need to realize that your employees can have new ideas or solutions that could prove beneficial to your venue. The best leaders make use of every resource available, and your staff represents a major asset given their unique perspective on the way your restaurant or bar operates. Asking your workers for their input or ideas will also give them a sense of belonging and pride in your venue because it will make them feel like a part of a community rather than an outsider.
Reward your team members
As a stakeholder in your restaurant or bar, it is also important to reward your employees for a job well done. If you see someone going the extra mile or taking on more responsibilities without being asked, make sure that their contributions are noticed. While you could reward a particular staff member with something big like a promotion or pay raise, even something small like simply acknowledging a job well done can go a long way. Praising your employees’ efforts will both encourage them to continue to do good work while simultaneously inspiring everyone else to up their game. By doing this, a more productive and positive work environment will be forged.
The end result
By being a more likable boss, you’ll inspire your employees to take pride in their work and give valuable input — all while fostering a dynamic work environment. However, the most beneficial aspect could come from the positive PR you will gain from your staff. Employees who feel mistreated or unhappy are just as likely to spread negative word of mouth about your location as a customer who had a bad experience. Conversely, by treating your team well, you embolden your staff to generate positive messages about your venue within your community. Having employees who truly care about and love working for you will promote your establishment within the community in a way that is almost impossible to quantify. Potential employees and customers alike will be more likely to consider your restaurant or bar as an option if your current staff acts as brand ambassadors on behalf of your location.
It is up to you as the boss to galvanize your workers to do their best work. It is also your job to promote your location within your community. By being a boss that your employees respect and adore, you can accomplish both of those crucial aspects of your job. Be the boss you would want to work for if you were an employee.
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.” - General Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army
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