As another year draws to a close, take time to look back on your business. What worked? What are the opportunities you still face? What is the plan for 2008? Who helped get us where we are? What kind of brand reputation do we have in the eyes of the customer? Employees?
Ah, the employees...
Right now you might be thinking, yes, those employees who made me age in dog years by not showing up on time, being unproductive and sloppy, and generally not caring.
However, many of you are thinking, yes, those employees who took care of tens of thousands of guests, made countless amounts of food and drink, showed up day after day with a smile, worked late without complaining, and so on.
So, where you are today is likely a direct result of the employees you have working for you. Yes, you are what you accept. The former group hires employees who fit this mold and allows them to stay since it's "hard to hire around here." The latter group has a much better reputation as an employer and only attracts and hires the kind of people who want to work hard, take care of guests, and build the brand.
If you are in the former group, take this time to change your stripes in 2008. If you are in the latter group, let the employees know how much you appreciate them. Better yet, show them how much you appreciate them!
A holiday bonus of a gift card, incentive pay for hours worked in December, paid time to volunteer for a worthy cause, a raise, custom shoes, ringtones, referral bonuses, and so on will go miles to show the employees you care. However, caring is the best way to show them you care. Let them know you appreciate them in your words and gestures, not just with gifts!
Tis the season to show those you care about how much you appreciate them. Start with your team and then your guests. After all, where would you be without either one of them?
About the Author
TJ Schier is the president of Incentivize Solutions, former President of CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers), a noted industry speaker, and author of books and training videos that you can find at http://www.hospitalitytrainingvideos.com. Reach him by email at
