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This one is for you Beefmeister

Posted by: Bengt ( McD, Sweden ) on September 27, 1998 at 20:22:00:

In Reply to: A simple but effective way to recognise performance posted by Beefmeister on September 26, 1998 at 22:36:57:

: When you are dealing with largely younger aged staff members it's hard to motivate them at times.

Yes that is true, but is yhat not where leadership comes into the picture? You motivate people with your leadership, not with little stars.

: This system is designed to boost staff interest in learning a wider variety of stations and to do the job well.

I feel, for Sweden that is, that this interest already exists. Most people want to learn new things
.
: Most restaurants who have given up on this system have done so because the mgt have not committed to operating this so simple form of recognition.

Or, in our case, that we feel that the system is not going anywhere. Could it be the other way around, i.e a risk? That you use this system on routine, and therefore do not apply your leadership?

: The concept of having you stars on your badge is not only to make your abilities public but also newer staff can see that you have experience in particular aras and will ask for help when needed.

That might be a +, but does that really work? Will you see that anyway? In my world, most new people tend to lean on the informel leaders in the store.

: : We took it away, cause, quite frankly, itīs a silly system! It is the same with different clothes and ties. Why do you need a different tie and shirt to be a manager? Is ledarship built into the shirt?

: As far as different ties / shirts for mgt. Customers like to be able to recognise who is in charge. NOT necessarily who is the bossiest but if they have a problem then approaching the mgr is much simpler. Someone needs to be LEADING the way not chasing the rush.

Why? Why? Why? The old system support hierarchies. If you give yoyr people training and responsibilities, the can handle the customers. Why should you always call on a manager? I have never understood this and I never will. That is an old paradigm.

: Customers feel reassured when they visit a restaurant where the whole team is working together in a productive but organised fashion.

And? I completely agree with you. Did i write anything contrary to this?

: Everyone works on the same level (I hope it does in your case too)until the "shit hits the fan". If happens sometimes! That's when authority should come in to play.

Do you need a shirt and tie for this? If you do, then you are probably not the leader you should be. Our CEO wear the same clothes as the guy who started yesterday, our store managers and owner/operators wear them - everybody wears them.

I think that we basically have the same opinion, only different ways of expressing them.

Do you work with McD in NZ?


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