A recipe for success: Building a high-performance team in hospitality

12/04/2024

In an industry that is as dynamic as the flavours in your dishes, the success of your restaurant hinges not just on the quality of your service, but also on the strength and performance of your team.

Building a high-performance team, and in turn fostering leadership skills, are not just strategies for success – they are aspects you need to implement into your business to significantly propel it to the next level.

Cultivating high-performance teams

The foundation of a high-performance team lies in its mixture, which are diverse talents brought together with a common purpose.

The true essence of such a team lies in its ability to:

• Work seamlessly
• Anticipate needs
• Exceed expectations

This can only be achieved with:

1. Selective recruitment – Focus on hiring individuals who not only have the necessary skills and experience but also fit well with your restaurant’s culture. Look for team players who have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and adapt whilst adhering to your values as a stable hospitality business
2. Continuous training – In the hospitality industry, where trends and customer expectations are constantly evolving, you will know ongoing training is crucial. Equip your team with the latest skills and knowledge to ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry whilst ensuring they remain compliant with health and safety guidelines as well as customer service
3. Empowerment and autonomy – Empowering your staff to make decisions and take ownership of their roles within your restaurant fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in their work. Whether their role is front of house, kitchen or wait staff, this autonomy encourages innovation and a proactive approach to solving problems
4. Recognition and rewards – Recognising and rewarding your team’s efforts is vital in maintaining high morale and motivation. It is important to celebrate successes, both big and small, to show your appreciation for your team and will act as retention of your employees that will help to continue their hard work

Developing leadership within your ranks

Leadership development within the hospitality sector centres around the act of nurturing your employees’ potential to take on more significant roles and responsibilities.

Here’s how to effectively develop leaders within your business:

1. Identify potential leaders – Keep an eye out for individuals who naturally take the initiative, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and possess a positive influence over their colleagues
2. Provide leadership training – Invest in leadership development programmes that not only teach the fundamentals of effective leadership but also address the unique challenges that the hospitality industry can present
3. Mentorship programs – pairing up-and-coming leaders with experienced mentors within the hospitality industry can provide them with valuable insights, guidance, and confidence to take on leadership roles
4. Create growth opportunities – Provide opportunities for team members to lead projects, manage teams, or take on new responsibilities. These experiences are invaluable in developing leadership skills and preparing them for future roles

Foster a culture of growth and success

At the centre of building high-performance teams and developing leadership lies the cultivation of a culture of success.

This involves setting high standards, encouraging constant improvement, and leading by example as a restaurant or hospitality business owner.

A culture of success not only attracts top talent but also inspires your team to go above and beyond for your customers.

The growth of your hospitality business closely ties to the effectiveness of your teams and the quality of your leadership.

How can WMT help?

Our expert team offer a range of knowledge and skills that can help to develop your business, including our pre-opening services.

You need everything in place to be ready to trade, and that includes high-performance teams and developed leadership.

Whilst we have given you the tips to build these important aspects, it is also crucial you set up your finances right from the start.

We can help you secure funding, set up your accounting structures and manage your finances all whilst setting up your business for long-term success within the hospitality industry.

Managing the business, which includes looking after your teams, will require you to use our payroll team and set up internal reporting and systems, which will ultimately benefit you when reporting to investors.

High-performance teams are nothing without rewards and recognition that ensure retention, which is why you may also need to consider a successful tronc scheme.

This will help to recruit and retain quality staff by making the most of tips and gratuities the business receives.

It is important to remember that, once you are open for business, we will continue to support you through our wide range of tax and accounting services.

To build your team and develop leadership within your hospitality business, contact a member of our expert hospitality team today.