Waiter Training - Rehearsing For The Restaurant Performance
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Management.
Waiter Training: Preparing for the Restaurant Stage
Summary:
No matter how advanced your training, its benefits can quickly fade without consistent and effective reinforcement. One of the best methods for managers to reinforce training is through short, well-planned pre-shift meetings.
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Article Body:
No matter how advanced your training, its benefits can quickly fade without effective and consistent reinforcement.
One of the best methods for managers to reinforce training is through short, well-planned pre-shift meetings. These 10-15 minute sessions help build confidence and gather valuable feedback. Typically held just before a shift, these meetings are crucial for enhancing customer care and increasing average spend by offering an opportunity to exchange ideas, test menu knowledge, and highlight special dishes.
Successful shift meetings are simple, informal, and, most importantly, interactive. Interaction is key. Attendees should do most of the talking, following the principle where you speak 20% of the time and they speak 80%.
Managers can steer the conversation by introducing topics and encouraging participation with questions and role play exercises. Here are some discussion ideas:
- Test menu knowledge through role play, with the manager acting as the guest and servers recommending menu items.
- Discuss customer care, including how to handle complaints or improve telephone etiquette.
- Describe the specials, and have staff repeat them back.
- Review upcoming promotions or advertisements, or discuss large parties or groups coming in.
- Brainstorm marketing ideas, set sales goals, or examine average spend.
When choosing topics for a shift meeting, consider the employee's perspective or WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?). First, explain the benefits of applying what they learn. Second, highlight why they should listen and participate. Typically, employees gain increased knowledge and confidence to perform their jobs more effectively.
Managers Should Also:
- Be Prepared: Set objectives for the meeting beforehand. Organize all necessary materials and familiarize yourself with them well in advance.
- Avoid Distractions: Hold meetings in a distraction-free area. Assign someone to handle the phone during the meeting.
- Be Enthusiastic: Enthusiasm is contagious. To foster motivation, managers must lead by example.
- Ask Questions: Direct questions to different individuals throughout the meeting. This keeps everyone engaged and encourages dialogue.
- Encourage Feedback: Ensure that employees understand the topics being discussed.
To help prepare your team for the restaurant performance, I’m offering a complimentary sampler of the Rehearsal Guide for shift meetings. This guide is part of the "A Role in the Show" training package. I hope you find it useful. To receive the guide or view previous articles, please visit the Archives section of our website.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Waiter Training - Rehearsing For The Restaurant Performance.
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