Nextep Systems Blog 5 Ways to Spot Good Management

Successful restaurant chains are determined largely by the effectiveness of their managers. Good managers oversee day-to-day decisions and play a big part in ensuring that restaurants are profitable and well-run. Once you know you've got a good manager on your hands, you should do what you can to not only keep them around, but to hold them up as a model and let their good habits spread throughout your company culture.So, what makes a good manager? Here are 5 ways to spot one...1. Positive EnergyIt's critical that your managers have positive energy because their attitudes affect the company on a day-to-day basis. A manager's attitude can determine the success of a customer interaction, a lunch rush, or even an entire store.Many have experienced the strain of a manager that requires their subordinates to walk on eggshells or one whose sour outlook is contagious. Managers with negative energy can cost you thousands of dollars as they push employees (and customers) out the door.Good energy, on the other hand, inspires good work ethic throughout the team, which in turn inspires loyalty in customers. 2. Low TurnoverLow turnover happens when a company recruits and hires employees that are a good fit for their organization and offers a work environment that gives good employees reasons to stick around.A good manager sets their restaurant up for low turnover by hiring the right people from the start. Here are 12 more ways to minimize staff turnover. 3. High EngagementEnsuring an open line of communication between manager and employee is one of the weakest spots of most organizations. Good restaurant managers can make a significant difference by sitting down and having regular, structured one-on-ones with their employees.When managers work with their employees one-on-one, they can discover strengths that could be put to better use and anticipate problems before they become disasters.Showing interest in team members' lives helps them to feel connected at work and to stay engaged. Good managers encourage healthy bonding by playing games, sharing meals, hosting social gatherings, and other similar activities. 4. HustleA good manager knows their goals and works hard to reach them. They set the pace for the rest of the team. You'll want to make sure your managers demonstrate commitment to the brand, urgency when it's called for, and accountability when things don't go quite right. 5. Multi-Tasking ProwessA manager must be able to oversee all their employees, keeping their abilities and weaknesses in mind while juggling multiple priorities. The best managers multi-task and balance those priorities without losing productivity. Beyond sheer effectiveness, a good manager needs to maintain a friendly, polite disposition even in stressful situations. As representatives of your brand, managers need to embody your values and above all, remain hospitable at all times. Looking to make your managers' lives easier?Talk to us about how self-order technology can free up your staff to focus on the essentials of hospitality.Learn More