How can team members in hospitality work together more effectively?

Defining your role should fall on your manager but if they are new or not equipped, sometimes its helpful to prompt the conversation yourself, especially if you are new in role and there hasn't been an emphasis on training and onboarding (which happens often in non-corporate restaurants!) Here are a few things you can say whether you are new in role or not! "I've noticed that my coworker and I often duplicate work by completing the same tasks, would it be possible to create a check list so we can track opening/closing tasks as they are completed?" "I've noticed that my coworkers complete tasks that I haven't been trained on, would it be possible to shadow them so I can learn how to complete xyz?"

While defining roles will help in shared collaboration and involvement while being in the set parameters as per the procedures.

Communications should be as clear and detailed as possible, as it is a very helpful way to control your work place and keep every task and every job in check.

One of my favorite memories of working in restaurants is the pride that the serving staff took when completing their steps of service. Management or not, it is so important to "catch people doing the right thing" and contributes to a healthy, communicative work culture. Often Servers and servers assistance go "above and beyond" adding special touches to their guests' experience but often this is only observed by the guest. Having your coworker/manager observe and celebrate these moments reinforces the behavior and provides gratification and satisfaction to the employee.

An apology goes a long way, even if you don't think its necessary. Carefully not to tip into the realm of overthinking, if you've noticed that you've stepped on someone's toes or didn't react to a situation in a way you are proud of, a quick conversation can clear up murky feelings. This can look like "Hey ____, I noticed during the rush that I got stressed and spoke to you in a way that wasn't professional, I wanted to apologize and express that I am grateful for your help." This leaves room for the other person to share their feelings if you did upset them and clears the air if they were indifferent. Either way you are showing respect and strengthening your communication with that coworker.

As someone who likes to follow rules, sometimes we need to bend them in order to meet the needs of the guests in our establishments. This could be offering a slower style of service to guests who need extra attention, or speaking to managers about policies/procedures that are outdated and no longer serve their purpose.

Enhance teamwork in hospitality by promoting open communication, cross-training, and shared goals. Conduct regular meetings, recognize individual contributions, and provide collaborative training. Clarify roles, delegate responsibly, and establish effective conflict resolution mechanisms. Celebrate successes to boost team morale and motivation.

Team members in hospitality can work together more effectively by having open communication, sharing responsibilities, and supporting each other's strengths. Regular team meetings, clear role expectations, and a collaborative mindset contribute to a cohesive and efficient work environment.