A Recipe for Restaurant Success: The Power of Managing, Leading and Coaching

In the latest episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Jason E. Brooks , author, speaker, and hospitality expert, for a deep dive into the world of restaurant leadership. Brooks' journey from a stuttering dishwasher to a confident industry leader is not only inspiring but packed with valuable lessons for anyone in the hospitality sector.

The Power of Three Mindsets

Brooks introduces listeners to the three crucial mindsets every successful restaurant leader needs: managing, leading, and coaching. He explains that managing is about keeping the team within guardrails to achieve specific goals, while leading involves painting a vivid picture of the future to inspire action. The often-overlooked coaching mindset, Brooks argues, is the key to unlocking your team's potential and reducing unnecessary escalations.

"Coaching is the mastery of one-on-ones and small groups," Brooks emphasizes. By creating space to truly know your team members – their goals, interests, and challenges – you empower them to make confident decisions without constant supervision.

Time: The Ultimate Commodity

One of the most striking insights from the episode is Brooks' perspective on time management. He encourages listeners to view time as their most valuable commodity, urging them to invest it wisely for maximum impact. This might mean delegating tasks like lawn mowing or hiring a virtual assistant to focus on high-impact leadership activities.

Let's talk about how we can help you set yourself up to maximize your productivity AND have a life

Systematic Approach to Leadership

Drawing from his book "Every Leader Needs Followers," Brooks advocates for a systematic approach to restaurant leadership. He breaks down complex concepts into actionable steps, providing listeners with a roadmap for success. This systematic thinking extends to team communication, with Brooks introducing the concept of "alley rallies" – quick, focused team huddles that align and motivate staff.

Culture: The Heartbeat of Your Restaurant

Brooks offers a simple yet powerful definition of culture: "People like us do things like this." This seven-word phrase encapsulates the essence of creating a strong, cohesive team culture. By consistently reinforcing and exemplifying "how we do things here," leaders can build a distinctive and positive workplace environment.

From Personal Growth to Industry Impact

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Brooks' story is his personal growth journey. He shares how he overcame a severe stutter to become a sought-after public speaker, emphasizing the transformative power of the restaurant industry. Brooks encourages listeners to leverage their restaurant experience to develop valuable life and business skills that extend far beyond the kitchen.

Conclusion

This episode of the Culinary Mechanic Podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the restaurant industry, from aspiring managers to seasoned leaders. Jason E. Brooks' insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership, time management, and personal growth within the dynamic world of hospitality.

By embracing the three mindsets, adopting a systematic approach to leadership, and fostering a strong team culture, restaurant leaders can transform their operations and achieve new levels of success.

Tune in to the full episode to uncover more gems of wisdom from Jason E. Brooks and take the first step towards revolutionizing your restaurant leadership style.

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Until next time,

Simon

P.S. Whenever you are ready here are a few other ways I help people like you every day.

• If you are a restaurant operator looking for ways to improve the culture, systems, and profit in your kitchen. This is the way.
• If you are a sous chef or chef who looking to increase their leadership and find ways to run your kitchen without burning out. I've got you. Book yourself some time here
• If you are a corporate chef, culinary director, or high-level leader that is looking to invest in your chef team's leadership, we should talk.