Podcast Summary: Restaurant Strategy – "Turning Managers Into Leaders with Author Jason Brooks (ENCORE)"
Episode Details:
- Title: Turning Managers Into Leaders with Author Jason Brooks (ENCORE)
- Host: Chip Klose
- Guest: Jason Brooks
- Release Date: February 3, 2025
Introduction
In this insightful episode of the Restaurant Strategy podcast, host Chip Klose engages in a compelling conversation with Jason Brooks, a seasoned coach, speaker, and author. Brooks shares his extensive experience in the restaurant industry and delves into his new book, Every Leader Needs Followers: 10 Keys to Transform Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders. The discussion centers around elevating restaurant managers to leadership roles, fostering effective coaching practices, and enhancing restaurant profitability through strategic people management.
Background of Jason Brooks
Jason Brooks begins by recounting his journey in the restaurant industry, which mirrors many aspiring professionals. Starting at the young age of 15, he worked diligently in various roles—from washing dishes to managing the grill—across over 20 different restaurant brands. This hands-on experience provided him with a multifaceted understanding of restaurant operations and the diverse approaches to achieving excellence in hospitality.
Notable Quote:
"I've seen the Mona Lisa painted 20 different ways because I've worked for over 20 brands... What is close to perfection and what is. That's exactly what I don't want to be like whenever I get to that level."
— Jason Brooks [06:20]
The Importance of Learning from Both Successes and Failures
Chip and Brooks discuss the value of learning from both successful and struggling restaurants. Brooks emphasizes that even mediocre establishments can achieve remarkable success if they implement key strategic actions, while high-performing restaurants may falter by not adhering to fundamental principles.
Notable Quote:
"I tried to teach the members of my mastermind... how to do what you can do exceptionally better than anyone else, but how you can put the safeguards in place like some of the bigger groups have."
— Chip Klose [07:38]
Defining Management, Leadership, and Coaching
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on distinguishing between managing, leading, and coaching within the restaurant setting. Brooks outlines clear definitions and the appropriate contexts for each role, highlighting the necessity of balance and adaptability in leadership.
Definitions:
- Managing: Ensuring a team stays within budgets and guidelines to achieve specific targets by set deadlines.
- Leading: Inspiring and guiding a team to understand and embrace a vision or next steps without micromanaging every detail.
- Coaching: Focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses to foster personal and professional growth.
Notable Quote:
"Managing is having a group of people stay within the guardrails to reach a certain point by a certain time... Leading is helping to paint a picture without every brushstroke... Coaching is knowing the person's strengths, weaknesses, and helping them reach their next step."
— Jason Brooks [12:01]
Implementing Effective Coaching Practices
Brooks advocates for regular one-on-one meetings as the foundation of effective coaching. He recommends weekly sessions where managers spend 30% of the time listening and 70% facilitating their team members' self-expression and development. This practice builds trust and uncovers personal and professional challenges that employees may face.
Notable Quote:
"In our industry, it is making the time for one on ones with your team... that's where coaching first starts."
— Jason Brooks [18:37]
Addressing Diverse Employee Motivations
The episode addresses the differing motivations of restaurant employees—some are passionate about hospitality, while others are in the industry out of necessity. Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences and tailoring coaching approaches to support employees' unique aspirations and life circumstances.
Notable Quote:
"Most people run from the industry because they feel like they have to change who they are and they feel like they are no longer authentic."
— Jason Brooks [29:39]
Cultivating a Positive Restaurant Culture
Brooks defines culture as the consistent behaviors and practices that occur within a restaurant, even in the absence of leadership. He shares strategies for onboarding new employees in a way that immerses them in the restaurant's ethos, ensuring they understand and embody the desired culture from day one.
Notable Quote:
"Culture is what is going on when you're not there... What is the repeatable thing that every single person is making a habit of."
— Jason Brooks [32:42]
Practical Steps for Becoming an Intentional Leader
Towards the end of the conversation, Brooks provides actionable advice for restaurant managers aspiring to become intentional leaders. He stresses the importance of self-awareness regarding one's leadership mindset and encourages ongoing reflection and adaptation to improve leadership effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"Is this the best approach to get to the best outcome? What should the best outcome be for this situation?"
— Jason Brooks [45:54]
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
Jason Brooks concludes by highlighting the launch of his book, Every Leader Needs Followers, and his commitment to giving back to the community through the Giving Kitchen nonprofit. The episode wraps up with reflective discussions on the future of the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and the integration of innovative practices like subscription-based ordering.
Notable Quote:
"Treat it like a business first and like a restaurant second."
— Jason Brooks [54:15]
Book Launch Announcement: Brooks announced the release of his book on March 18th, aiming to transform restaurant teams into leaders and support food service workers through his contributions to the Giving Kitchen.
Final Thought: The episode underscores the critical role of effective leadership and coaching in driving restaurant success, advocating for a balanced approach that nurtures both managerial efficiency and personal growth among employees.
Final Questions and Insights
As the episode concludes, Chip poses five reflective questions to Jason, allowing listeners to gain deeper insights into personal experiences and future industry trends. These questions reinforce the themes of hospitality excellence, personal development, and innovative business models.
Key Insight: Brooks envisions a future where subscription-based ordering becomes prevalent, enhancing revenue streams and adapting to the evolving demands for convenience in the restaurant industry.
Conclusion
This episode of Restaurant Strategy offers valuable lessons for restaurant owners and managers striving to enhance their leadership skills and foster a thriving, profitable establishment. Jason Brooks' expertise and practical strategies provide actionable insights for transforming managerial roles into impactful leadership positions, ultimately driving sustained success in the competitive restaurant landscape.
Resources Mentioned:
- Jason Brooks' Book: Every Leader Needs Followers: 10 Keys to Transform Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders
- Giving Kitchen Nonprofit: givingkitchen.org
- Jason Brooks' Website: jasonebrooks.com
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to purchase Brooks' new book and participate in his mission to support food service workers in need. Additionally, they are urged to implement the discussed coaching and leadership strategies to elevate their restaurant operations.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and actionable insights aimed at empowering restaurant professionals to lead more effectively and enhance their establishments' profitability.