Restaurant Owner Matrix
This matrix and associated characteristics is described in this post. It is very important to understand that we tend to “hang out” in our comfort zones, especially in times of stress or crisis. That means we can move around in any quadrant as we learn how to effectively use communication and systems as our tools. Again, our goal is to ultimately become a Head Coach.
Once you know who you are, the easier it will be to change your behaviors and realize how systems WILL help you become a better leader.
Review the characteristics below and find your dominant personality. Understand that there is a listing of positive and negative characteristics for each quadrant. The characteristics listed are what we find most commonly in each personality, so not every positive or negative characteristic will apply to you.
CRAZY MAKER – Makes decisions based out of necessity and fear. This individual is often a passive manager, allowing his or her employees to dictate the way things will be done. In extreme cases they put themselves in the role of the victim whose restaurant is out of control.
Positive Characteristics
- Risk taker
- Entrepreneurial
- Generous
Negative Characteristics
- Runs the business based on bank account and gut
- Pays bills based on who screams the loudest
- Buries head in the sand and avoids conflict
- Wonders why they ever got into the business
- Thinks staff members are stupid
- Suffers from
- “commonsense- itis”
- Often feels their customers owe them
- Will hire a chain manager to just fix everything
- Tries to do everything themselves
- Often works a line position to save money
PENCIL PUSHER – Makes decisions based primarily on the numbers and tasks that need to be accomplished. In most cases this individual is an implementer, someone who gets systems in place in every aspect of their business. In extreme cases they can be distrusting micromanagers who do not clearly communicate what they want done so feel like they can’t let go.
Positive Characteristics
- Understands their business’s numbers
- Tracks to make changes and gets results
- Well organized
- Checklist oriented
- Energetic
Negative Characteristics
- Hides in the office
- Poor communication skills
- Does not like the limelight
- Uncomfortable managing people
- Has high turnover in all positions
SOCIAL WORKER – Makes decisions based on the needs and feelings of their customers and employees before their own needs. This individual is most likely a visionary and has strong communication skills. They also strive to be well liked in their business and community and often fill a figurative mayor role for both. In extreme cases they are more concerned with their image rather than the profitability or success of the restaurant.
Positive Characteristics
- Great communicator
- Understands the importance of training
- Delivers WOW customer service
Negative Characteristics
- Runs their business like a charity
- Puts their staff personal needs above all else
- All about ideas, not about action
- Allows employee push back to dictate decisions
- Ignores the numbers
- Juggles bills to stay afloat
- Works too many hours
- Often works line position to save money
HEAD COACH – Makes decisions based on the systems and leads their team with strong communication skills. Like a great general manager, this individual understands that it’s not only important to implement the systems, but that it’s imperative that you follow up on the systems to make sure everyone is doing their job. They also make it a point to train their people and are not afraid to discipline them when necessary. In extreme cases, they get too comfortable and trust that people know what to do and then take their eye off the ball. In this case, systems end up falling to the wayside.
Positive Characteristics
- Entrepreneurial
- Confident
- Leader
- Great communicator
- Calculated risk taker
- Problem solver
- Fair
- Understand their business’s numbers
- Tracks to make changes and get results
- Well organized
- Gives management the authority to do their job
- Understands the importance of training
- Delivers WOW customer service
Negative Characteristics
- Has a tendency to trust too much that things are getting done
- Replaces people too quickly
- Impatient
- Thrives on change for the sake of change
- Gets board easily
- May create unrealistic expectations for the team
