07/16/2016--Beginnings are delicate times, I've heard. After three weeks in my role I feel it's important to "get the balances right" as Frank Herbert wrote in Dune regarding beginnings. A…
8/18/2012--Employees are turnarounds... This idea is from last week, but I started to put it into action this week. The first step is to analyze each employee's situation (strengths/weaknesses). My…
8/27/2012--"Plans are nothing. Planning is everything." --Dwight I had my 1st staff meeting and found out how valuable preparation is to communication. Staying up til 5:00 a.m. was probably overkill,…
9/3/2012--And the O3s begin... I'm determined--now after doing four one on ones (O3s)--more than before I started to initiate one on ones. I've gotten great feedback each time, though I've…
9/11/2012--A rising tide lifts all boats. Work ethic is contagious. The clearest example of this is a kitchen staff; because it is such a race vs the clock, the least…
9/24/2012--The benefit of time scarcity In The Effective Executive Peter Drucker claims time is the most precious resource. I'm almost deep enough into my work to fully realize this, as…
10/15/2012--What got me here won't get me there Interviewing is getting easier. After two this week (I hired both), I was bummed to find out the third cancelled her interview.…
10/23/2012--Develop everyone, all the time I missed an opportunity this week. A dedicated, multi-functional host put in his two weeks. He performs a vital function in the restaurant--GSA--in addition to…
10/9/2012--Out of the honeymoon stage It lasted almost 3 months. Now that I'm out I notice each day the petty issues (headaches) that I would guess lead managers to complain…
10/31/12--Visible effects of a high "D" manager My visit to Schaumburg provided much insight into a management style vastly different from my own. The team there was ground into a…