I manage a fine dining restaurant and the staff has seem to have motivation. Lots of complaining and it gets contagious and all that is heard is whining and complaining. I want to motivate them somehow. We increased wages, they already get free meals. I offered a contest to the servers that whoever upsold the most would get a gift certificate, noone participated. Any ideas what I can do to get these servers more motivated? I have even worked with them side-by-side to see what is the problem, nothing changed. It was like I was not even there. ANy suggestions?
2006-09-12 09:37:13 · 12 answers · asked by Draya 4 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Find the bad apple. Surely you have one. One person can bring a group down in a big way. You sound like a great boss! Hang in there!
2006-09-12 09:57:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You mentioned lots of whining and complaining from the staff.
Have you listened to what they're whining and complaining about?
Ask each employee individually. Ask them in groups: servers, cooks, dishwashers, cashiers. Is there friction between servers and cooks, for instance, or maybe between one shift and another.
Consider writing a letter expressing your concerns and be sure each staff member gets a copy. Schedule a few short meetings to get the communication started and vary the time and day to allow each employee an opportunity to attend. DO NOT require an employee to attend a meeting on their time off. That's only asking for trouble.
Good Luck!
2006-09-12 15:51:31 · answer #2 · answered by dudette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should do a value chain analysis and see what is the overall problem originated.
Why don't you increase the transparency between you can your staffs and among staffs? Build teamwork.
Have a meeting with all of your staffs and mention your observation and that your wish for improvement.
Organize a get-away trip (e.g. camping trip, hiking trip, etc.) or party with you and all of your staff together and talk about the problem. I know many of the camps have activities that specialize in staff teamwork and morale training.
Lastly you might need to seek a professional consultant or employee training expert before your business and your team falls apart.
2006-09-12 12:22:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to somehow get them to buy into the type of culture that you want to have in the restaurant. You should try to find a video on the "FISH" philosophy of customer service. I'm not going to go into exactly what it is but if you can get them to buy into it it will motivate your employees and create a positive atmosphere. Good luck, and can I tell you that in my experience the management has to set the pace and example to get your employees to follow. Maybe you're the one who needs motivation, it starts with you.
2006-09-12 09:48:26 · answer #4 · answered by sarahsmiles1222 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to ask....why would you increase wages if your staff is not doing a good job??? That should be a reward not a requirement. I can see doing contests & offering rewards, but only to those that deserve it. Myself? I would get rid of the ones that don't have the work ethics that they should. Customer service is NUMBER 1. Let's get those dirty plates off the table when the guest is done! That is my biggest peeve. Good luck
2006-09-12 11:22:17 · answer #5 · answered by just cruisin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you've done your best to make it a team effort. maybe it's you, maybe you're trying too hard and employees read that.
if they don't respond to positive initiative then reverse it, start with the poorest performer and replace him/her immediately.
reward performers, that way it becomes an atmosphere of execution not dependency.
the most important thing is the customer, how do they rate your staff? check on that too.
2006-09-12 09:43:43 · answer #6 · answered by cliffy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Choose an employee of the week for some kind of reward.
Designate a front row parking space for employee of the month.
More bonus goodies.
Pins for the shirts for those who earn them.
2006-09-12 09:44:17 · answer #7 · answered by Bluealt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm server I suggest having them compete for hours, or peek times. This works at my resturant
2006-09-12 10:44:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe sit down on day and have the employees tell you their complaints. Ask them what specifically is bothering them.
If it is something that be easily fixed, fix it. If it is something that can't be fixed, explain why it can't be but state you understand....
If that doesn't help, threaten to replace them. Waiters are easily replaced.
2006-09-12 09:44:03 · answer #9 · answered by cognitively_dislocated 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
compose a customer rating card for your worker's and have the customer's rate their server..........on a monthly basis, collect htem and who ever gets the most good ratings, get a prize, award of $$, a gift card at target, something that they will like............call it employee of the month
2006-09-12 13:25:06 · answer #10 · answered by walterknowsall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋