Four Things Restaurant Owners Should Never Say – #2
Everyone has a phrase that when they hear it, they just want to go nuts. For me, there are four phrases that are like nails on a chalkboard. And I probably hear one of these phrases on a weekly basis as I travel the country giving speeches, consulting and coaching restaurant owners and managers just like you.
The four phrases that get under my skin are:
- “I don’t need a budget. I know my numbers.”
- “I can’t get my managers to do it.”
- “You don’t understand… our restaurant is different.”
- “Yes, but it takes too long.”
Last week, I discussed the #1 thing restaurant owners should never say. Let me explain the second one…
“I can’t get my managers to do it.”
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one, I would be rich! My first reaction is, “What the heck do you mean, you can’t get your managers to do that?” Then I quote one of my long time Elite Members who says, “When you say the word can’t, replace it with the word won’t and repeat the sentence.” So that sentence would now be “I won’t make my managers do it.” (She’s a pretty insightful and smart woman.)
Because the reality is they work for YOU. YOU sign the checks. You are the boss. You are the one who sets the agenda of what you want done, how you want it done and how well you want it done. And while you may run your business in a way that you want everyone’s input, you have to realize you are running a “democratic dictatorship!” You may take everyone’s input into consideration, but you ultimately dictate the way you want it done.
Just remember it’s their choice to be a part of the change. If they get fired or quit, it’s their choice and there is always someone else out there who wants the job and will do things your way.
That is the number two thing restaurant owners should never say. Click here to read the third thing restaurant owners should never say.
Read more about how to be a successful restaurant owner in our free special report, Breaking Away from the Insanity: How to easily take control of your restaurant and make more money. Download it here.
