Climbing the “food chain” of responsibility at a restaurant is not an easy task. For the past three years I have worked to become a principal server. Waiting has taught me to become a leader in and out of the workplace. Here are five rad tips to becoming a successful server and leader, that I have observed and acquired along the years:
1. Stay Cool
Sure, a table of 18 just walked in; oh and they have four kids, two of which need high chairs and the other two have already started to cry. The appetizers for your other table already need to be taken out, four tables need to be cleaned and you didn’t forget about the drinks for those people sitting in the corner booth, did you? Because they’re waiting. While everyone around you is going crazy, it’s your job to keep a level head. This is not always as easy as it seems. During intense situations, the only resolve is to complete each task one step at a time. Seat the children, grab the appetizers and promise that the drinks are on the way. You’re only one person, but if you take a breath, organize your mind and deliver, you can get through anything.
2. Work with Others
Remember all that chaos described in the last scenario? Also, remember, you are not alone. Your other servers are often more than happy to help. There’s no better feeling than the unspoken understanding between you and another employee as you see them across the dining room picking up some of your slack. Remember that reaching out for assistance isn’t always a bad thing. A great leader is the person that can work with and through others.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
Remember when you went to that one restaurant, and you asked for no ice, but got it, then the honey mustard you requested with the fries just never came? Yeah, me too. No one likes the feeling of their thoughts and wishes being cast in the wind. Sure, mistakes happen, but paying attention to the needs of others creates a better experience for everyone. Do your best to address each persons requests, as insignificant as it may seem, and watch how much they appreciate the sentiment.
4. Be Accountable and Responsible
The soup was cold, the fries soggy and burger overdone? You didn’t make it! How about they go and complain to the cooks? You’re only the messenger! This way of thinking does not work if you’re a server, leader or in any position of authority. At the end of the day, you’re accountable for your team and yourself. When dealing with customers, you’re the face that they are interacting with, and it’s your responsibility to apologize on behalf of anything that made their experience less than pleasurable. Sure, after this go to the kitchen and let them have it so that the same mistake doesn’t happen twice, but an effective leader knows how to deal with both sides of the dilemma.
5. Make Work Enjoyable
Everything is brighter from behind a smile. Even when it feels like the entire world is falling on your shoulders, as a new table walks in, it is your job to cheerfully greet them! Likewise, you can still make a quick joke with a coworker as you run by to take four pizzas out of the oven. Be genuine, don’t look like you’re forcing happiness and remember to keep it light. Your team is looking toward you for guidance, and they give back what you put out. You’ve got this and so do they. Believe in your ability to handle life’s problems, and lead yourself and your crew into a night of big laughs and even bigger tips!
