Leading Through Change: Essential Skills for Today's Restaurant Managers

The restaurant world has always been fast-paced, but these days, it feels like we're constantly on a roller coaster. If you're managing a restaurant today, you know it's not just about turning tables and perfect plates anymore. It's about leading through constant change – from the shifting job market and immigration challenges to fluctuating food costs and, yes, getting the most out of our newest team members, Gen Z.

Navigating Today's Tricky Job Market

Let's be real, the job market for restaurants is still wild. Even with recent shifts, finding and keeping good people remains tough. We're seeing the lingering effects of the "Great Resignation," where people are more selective about where they work. Plus, immigration challenges are having a tangible impact, sometimes limiting the pool of available talent, especially for entry-level and kitchen positions. This means managers need to be more strategic than ever, not just in hiring, but in retaining the amazing people they already have.

The Gen Z Puzzle: Challenges and Solutions

A big piece of that retention puzzle often involves Gen Z – our youngest employees, roughly born between 1997 and 2012. They're quickly becoming the backbone of many restaurant teams, and sometimes, managing them feels like speaking a different language.

The "Struggle" with Gen Z: You might notice a few things:

• Different Communication Styles: They grew up with screens, so direct, in-person feedback might feel intense, and they prefer concise, digital communication.

• Desire for Purpose & Feedback: They often want to understand the "why" behind tasks and crave frequent, constructive feedback, not just annual reviews.

• Work-Life Balance is Key: They're generally less willing to sacrifice their personal lives for work, which can sometimes be perceived as a lack of commitment by older generations.

• Tech-Savvy (But Maybe Not Always "Work-Savvy"): They pick up new tech tools instantly but might need more guidance on traditional workplace norms or problem-solving without an app.

Solutions for Managing & Growing Gen Z: Instead of seeing these as challenges, think of them as opportunities to adapt your leadership style:

1. Be Direct & Frequent with Feedback: Ditch the formal, infrequent reviews. Give real-time, constructive feedback – positive and corrective – in bite-sized pieces. Make it a quick, private chat.

2. Explain the "Why": Don't just give an instruction; explain why that task is important to the guest experience, the team, or the business. This builds engagement.

3. Offer Growth & Development: Gen Z wants to learn and progress. Create clear pathways for advancement, offer cross-training, and invest in their skills. Even small learning opportunities can make a big difference.

4. Embrace Technology: Use apps or digital platforms for scheduling, communication, and even training. Meet them where they are.

5. Respect Their Boundaries: While restaurants demand flexibility, acknowledging their desire for work-life balance and trying to accommodate it where possible builds loyalty. Small gestures like consistent scheduling or asking about their preferences can go a long way.

6. Mentor, Don't Just Manage: Position yourself as a mentor. They value learning from experienced individuals.

The Broader Picture: Encouraging Adaptability in Everyone

It's not just Gen Z who needs to be adaptable. Today's restaurant manager must instill this quality across the entire team, and embody it themselves.

• Fluctuating Costs of Goods: Beef prices up? Eggs suddenly scarce? Managers need to be nimble, working with chefs to adjust menus, find alternative suppliers, or creatively manage inventory to protect profit margins. This requires the team to adapt to new recipes or procedures.

• Job Market Shifts: If a key person leaves, can your team quickly cross-train to cover? Are you actively nurturing internal talent for succession? Adaptability here means being proactive, not reactive, to staffing changes.

• Immigration Challenges: When traditional labor pools are impacted, managers need to be creative in recruitment, retention, and even looking at technology to streamline operations where human labor is scarce.

As a manager, your ability to embrace and encourage adaptability is paramount. This means:

• Being Transparent: Explain why changes are happening (e.g., "Food costs mean we need to adjust this dish's portion size slightly, and here's how we'll explain it to guests").

• Empowering Your Team: Give your team members, regardless of generation, the tools and autonomy to solve problems as they arise.

• Leading by Example: If you can pivot quickly and positively, your team will follow. Your attitude towards change sets the tone.

• Continuous Learning: The best managers are always learning, whether it's new tech, new management styles, or new industry trends.

Leading a restaurant today requires a blend of traditional hospitality wisdom and modern agility. By embracing change, understanding your diverse workforce (especially Gen Z), and constantly adapting to external pressures, you can not only survive but thrive in this ever-evolving industry.