Restaurant Server Training
Regardless of how extensive and sophisticated your training is for your serving staff. All of which can be easily lost without constant reinforcement.
Managers need an effective way to reinforce training, and a great way to that is by holding regular pre-shift meetings. Managers can utilize these meetings which only take 10 to 15 minutes but will undoubtedly yield valuable feedback as well as help build confidence.
Not to mention that pre shift meetings are also a great way for improving improve the restaurants average spend test your staff’s knowledge on specials as well as making sure that they know every part of your menu from front to back.
The most effective shift meetings are simple, informal and interactive. Interactive being the key word here. Attendees should be encouraged to do most of the talking, following the rule where you speak 20% of the time and they speak the other 80%.
When holding pre-shift meetings it important to listen to your employees. They should be the ones doing most of the talking. If you notice that there are employees not participating encourage them to provide their input as it will help to boost their confidence by thinking they are a valued member of your team.
Your job as owner or manager is to make sure that you control what is being discussed. You may also find role playing a valuable asset.
Here are a few things you can go over with them:
-Test menu knowledge through role play, with the manager playing the role of the guest and server recommending menu items
-Customer service care, such as handling complaints or proper telephone etiquette.
-Ask them to recite all the daily specials
-Review forthcoming promotions or advertisements, or discuss any large parties or groups coming in
-You can brainstorm marketing ideas, sales goals or review average spend.
Whenever you are deciding what the topic of the pre-shift meeting should be, remember to always ask yourself. If I were the server what would make me want to listen and participate. That will mean clearly outlining their benefits on each point of discussion. If you do this I can assure you that your employees will be happier and be able to their job better.
Managers make sure to that you are prepared for your pre-shift meetings, this means setting objectives for yourself as well as making sure that you have all the relevant tools (menu, support material) at your disposal.
Be upbeat- like the common cold it is contagious. To develop this fervor and motivation, managers need to be the ones who are leading by example.
You will also want to avoid any distractions during the pre-shift meetings, get someone else to answer the phones if need be.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions- By directing questions to various employees throughout the meeting, will ensures that everyone including you, stays on the topic.
Encourage feedback- Whether they know it or not your employees are on the front line and have information that can be beneficial to your restaurants growth.
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