10 Words that Exemplify Leadership
by David Klemt
During episode 50 of the Bar Hacks podcast, Travis Tober sums up restaurant and bar leadership in just ten words.
In fact, this seemingly “small” sentence explains leadership and buy-in for essentially every type of business.
Let’s take a look at what Tober, co-owner of Nickel City and owner Old Pal, says that resonates with me.
10 Important Words
So, what does Tober say during his first appearance on Bar Hacks that embodies leadership?
The following, about his general manager:
“He knows the brand just as good as I do.”
How do those words exemplify leadership and buy-in? For several reasons:
- They illustrate transparency from the owners.
- Those words show trust.
- The ten words put buy-in and mentorship on display.
- They show that the GM possesses a sense of ownership of the brand.
- The brand is obviously defined clearly.
Buy-in is Crucial
As an entrepreneur, consider what you’re asking of the people who work for you. You’re expecting others to help you achieve your dream.
So, why would they take their role in your business seriously rather than only seeing it as a paycheck? The answer is simple: buy-in.
Staff want to feel as though they’re a part of something—they don’t want to work just to pay bills.
As difficult as it may be, an operator needs to trust the people they hire.
Why would you want them on your team—and you need to build a team, not just have employees—if you don’t trust them? Filling roles just to have bodies in the building is a losing strategy, labor shortage or not.
In addition to trust, there needs to be brand indoctrination. Every employee should be a brand evangelist for you and your business.
One of the most powerful recruiting and marketing resources at your disposal is your team. People they encounter should want to spend time and money at your business because of your team. They should want to work for you after observing your team at work and out and about.
If that’s not happening, something is wrong. Your team doesn’t trust you; doesn’t feel as though you trust them; doesn’t feel empowered; or doesn’t believe they’re really a part of your brand and business.
So, ask yourself a simple question: Can my GM, management team, and staff say they know my brand as well as I do?
Listen to episode 50 of Bar Hacks with Travis Tober on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Image: Damir Kopezhanov on Unsplash