You're overseeing a catering team facing changes. How can you ensure clear communication without confusion?

A Catering Team consists of the Catering / Conference Service Managers, Banquet Mgr and Assists, The Executive Chef and Banquet Chef, Stewarding and Purchasing. A meeting with all of them with a typed agenda explaining the changes, followed by Q & A from the group. A follow up face to face meeting with each department to reconfirm they are clear on the changes and feel the other departments are clear as well. A private meeting with the Exec Chef and Banquet Manager to make sure the 3 of you are clear on the changes. A continuous check and double check with the "support" staff to make sure the message has been filtered down from their manager. I would follow with a continuous check of all BEO's to reconfirm changes are being followed.

... by clearly communicating ... I mean, I do not even understand what this question is asking. The use of "catering" is a bit weird and demeaning. The assumption of "confusion" is a bit weird and demaning. The answer is: by clearly communicating.

Schedule a meeting to inform everyone of the upcoming changes and to set expectations. Start with just the people that will be directly impacted by the changes if it is not the entire team.

To ensure clear communication while overseeing a catering team facing changes, I would establish clear channels for different types of information, such as using emails for formal updates and team meetings for comprehensive discussions. I’d set expectations early, clearly defining the changes, their impact, and each member's role. Regular updates and check-ins would keep everyone aligned, while encouraging open dialogue to ensure questions and concerns are addressed promptly. Providing written summaries after meetings helps reinforce key points, and adapting based on feedback ensures ongoing effectiveness in communication.

Open Communication: Use one way to share info such as a group chat. Tell everyone what’s changing, why, and how it affects them, and give the same info to everyone. Make Roles Clear: List what each person needs to do. If a server now helps with prep, show them exactly what to do. Let them know they can ask questions anytime.

Before implementing any changes, develop a communication plan that outlines what needs to be communicated, when, and through which channels. For instance, if there’s a shift in menu offerings due to ingredient availability, make sure the entire team knows the new menu in advance. This prevents last-minute confusion during service.

Avoid repeating information ad nauseam. Be concise about what the change is. It can be easily to become overwhelmed by too much information coming through whilst trying to work

Open the box and read those suggestions during the meetings. It lets people know that all suggestions are taken seriously. Even if it is humorous.

Making sure implementing new technology is part of your training session is important to avoid information/communication gaps. The employees of the service sector can come from any level of digital literacy.