By Tracy Yandow

Over the past few months have you found yourself physically and emotionally drained? Do you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish what you need to get done?

You are not alone.

Business operators everywhere are feeling the effects of this lull in the economy, and not just in their wallet. It’s bad enough that you’re affected, but wait – it also affects your staff. How well do you think you can lead a team if you’re burnt out?

Many people will deny being burnt out; they want to appear invincible and strong.

Remember, this is not just about YOU… so pay close attention to your feelings and behavior, and resolve it before it gets out of hand.

Here’s what to look for, and what to do:

1. Fatigue/exhaustion. If you find yourself often feeling worn out and tired, take a look at how much rest and exercise you’re getting. Be sure to schedule enough time in your day to take care of yourself physically.

2. Emotional exhaustion. If you notice that you don’t have the enthusiasm or drive that you once had, or that you don’t even have the energy to get angry when it’s appropriate, you probably need to take some kind of break to replenish your emotional reserves. If you can’t take a lengthy vacation, try spending some time away from work doing things that are meaningful to you — listening to music, being outdoors, visiting an art museum.

3. Isolation from other people. Do you find that you’re not paying attention to the accomplishments of those around you, especially people who expect you to provide advice and leadership? Make a point of looking for their positive achievements and praising them for their contributions to the organization.

4. Feelings of being unappreciated. When your own efforts aren’t recognized or appreciated, your personal morale will suffer. Look for ways to share news of your contributions with people who ought to know.

5. Obsession. If you find yourself becoming too focused on a single project or area of your work, force yourself to take a break and do something different to restore your balance.

Once you start recognizing the signs of burn out and take better care of yourself, both you and your staff will reap the benefits.

So, take in a big deep breath and “Oooommmmm!”

I am not sure what this has to do with the Restaurant Operator but since we’re all people, I’m going there anyway. It’s the holidays – let’s have some fun.

I recently found Facebook. (I know… I know, where have I been?)

Anyway, I have to say I am addicted.

For those of you who are in the dark ages still (like I was), facebook.com is a Web application that allows you put up a Web page, talk about yourself, connect to friends, and even helps you find people you may not have connected with in years.

I think it is great. I have found neighborhood friends I knew when I was 6 years old and college friends I haven’t heard from since graduation in ‘92. I suddenly went from circle of soccer moms… to a whole new social circle (and growing daily).

You ever run into someone you haven’t seen for a while in a restaurant and you are like “Wow what a small world”? Well this takes that to a whole new level.

So, if you are feeling lonely this holiday, or just want try something new – give Facebook a try because you never know who you might find.

Can’t find anyone you know… I’ll be your friend… just send me a request saying David sent me.

The more the merrier right?

Happy Holidays!

Tracy Yandow is the founder and chief instructional designer for The Manual Solution, a professional documentation writing, instructional design service and partner in product. The Manual Solution provides a wide range of documentation and operational solutions to companies across the nation. Tracy partnered with David Scott Peters, restaurant expert, to produce restaurant specific training manuals for full service and quick service restaurants. Find out more at www.manualsolution.com.

by Tracy Yandow

We know you expect your employees to listen to you, but the question is, do you listen to your employees?

I mean REALLY listen?

When business seems to be going in overdrive, and you have too many things on your plate, it is important to remember — take time to listen to your employees.

Letting employees talk is not the same as listening.

You have to work at it, the same way you work at anything else you want to succeed at.

Here are five ways to make you a better listener:

1. Stop what you are doing. As soon as an employee comes to you and wants to talk, put away whatever you’re working on. Remove all temptation to do anything other than give your full attention to the employee.

2. No comment. One of the first signs that someone isn’t listening is when he or she cuts off the talker in mid-sentence or mid-thought. Make sure your employee is finished before you begin speaking.

3. Body language. You’ll be amazed at the effect a simple smile can have. By smiling and leaning forward, you send the message that you’re fully engaged in what the person is saying.

4. Ask questions and/or repeat the point. Always ask questions or repeat back the major point the employee is trying to get across. Questions tell the employee that you’ve been listening, and are truly committed to resolving whatever issue is being discussed.

5. Answer any questions and provide your comments. Start your own comments by paraphrasing what the employee had to say. Again, this tells the employee that you’ve been listening. Then provide the necessary response or direction to the employee. Make sure they understand your comments by asking them if you have answered the question to their satisfaction.

Tracy Yandow is the founder and chief instructional designer for The Manual Solution, a professional documentation writing, instructional design service and partner in product. The Manual Solution provides a wide range of documentation and operational solutions to companies across the nation. Tracy partnered with David Scott Peters, restaurant expert, to produce restaurant specific training manuals for full service and quick service restaurants. Find out more at www.manualsolution.com.

Authored by Tracy Yandow, The Manual Solution

The challenge.

I have a challenge for you.

Try to eliminate the word “but” from your vocabulary. When speaking with employees and co-workers, emailing, or during any type of conversation dealing with others do not use the word “but.”

If you do this, you will strengthen your ability to persuade others and have a better chance of ensuring what you have said has been heard.

How come?

Well, anytime you use the word “but,” in a sentence what a person hears is that you disagree with them. For instance, if you are talking with an employee and say, “I agree with you, but let me say this…” he or she will wonder if you really agree with them or not. And chances are they stopped listening the moment you said “but.”

What should you do instead?

Try using the word “and.” To continue with the above example, replace “but” with “and.” “I agree with you, and let me say this…” By replacing “but” with “and” you eliminate the contradictory tone from your message and make what you have to say much more meaningful and persuasive.

Try it… and become more powerful with just one little word.

Have a great day!

Tracy Yandow is the founder and chief instructional designer for The Manual Solution, a professional documentation writing, instructional design service and partner in product. The Manual Solution provides a wide range of documentation and operational solutions to companies across the nation. Tracy partnered with David Scott Peters, restaurant expert, to produce restaurant specific training manuals for full service and quick service restaurants. Find out more at www.manualsolution.com.

Authored by Tracy Yandow, The Manual Solution

The other day I read an old quote that I thought was great. It follows what I preach.

“What I hear, I forget.
What I see, I remember.
What I do, I understand.”
-Confucius

For anyone who knows me, knows that I am a STRONG believer in hands-on training —and DOING. Also, in the four-step training method – Tell, Show, Do, Review. So, I thought I would take this time to talk about the most important element you need to incorporate into your training program.

Many people looking at today’s workforce believe that they need computer based or electronic methods of training. That this generation is so used to getting entertained and receiving their information through the Internet, computers, video games, text messaging, etc., that if you don’t have these incorporated into training, then you are behind the eight ball.

What I am here to say is that you don’t necessarily need all those bells and whistles to effectively train your staff.

Studies have shown that these workforces (X & Y Generations) learn best by DOING. That is, hands on.

That doesn’t mean hands on a computer (unless you are teaching them about your POS system) or hands on a cell phone. It means doing the job that they are asked to do. That does not mean to just throw them out there on their own and hope they figure it out. What it means is to ensure that your training program includes lots of opportunities for hands-on activities, such as role plays, shadowing, observations and live practice sessions. These types of activities will keep your trainees interested and ensure a better understanding of their job.

In a recent article in Training magazine they suggest if you want to incorporate some sort of electronic method — be it computer, text messaging, etc., to do so as a follow-up or review method. You could have your final test questions on the computer, send reminder messages on important procedures via text messaging or email, or show a CBT presentation on topics that you have already trained to re-emphasize what they have been doing.

So my new motto is “What I do, I understand”.

Maybe I should get one of those trendy silicone bracelets printed with it so I can keep it close at hand.

Have a great day!

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Tracy Yandow is the founder and chief instructional designer for The Manual Solution, a professional documentation writing, instructional design service and partner in product. The Manual Solution provides a wide range of documentation and operational solutions to companies across the nation. Tracy partnered with David Scott Peters, restaurant expert, to produce restaurant specific training manuals for full service and quick service restaurants. Find out more at www.manualsolution.com.