What do Sports and Hospitality have in Common?

I had a blast meeting Jeremy Wolf this week, Co-Founder of Mindready—a team that coaches athletes on sports psychology.

We related the “athletes” of the restaurant industry to those in sports and found striking similarities.

Although I don't see myself as a sports person, there's no doubt that I'm a true athlete in the hospitality industry.

As an industry athlete, I’ve clocked hours of study, “played” endless shifts, orchestrated “plays” alongside countless teammates, and faced both victories and losses.

I used to dislike it when managers used sports analogies to describe our industry, but the two are surprisingly seamless.

Running a successful restaurant is like coaching a winning team in a high-stakes game.

Just as a coach carefully selects and trains their players, a restaurant manager must hire and train a skilled staff. Each member of the team has a specific role to play, just like the players on a sports team.

The restaurant itself is the playing field, and just as a coach must ensure their team is well-prepared, a manager must ensure that the restaurant is clean, organized, and fully stocked with supplies.

Just like a team needs a game plan, a restaurant needs well-defined procedures and protocols to ensure smooth operations.

During service, the restaurant becomes the arena where the action takes place.

Just as a team needs to communicate and work together effectively to win, the restaurant staff must collaborate seamlessly to provide excellent customer service and deliver high-quality food.

The best managers act as the coach on the sidelines, observing the team's performance and making adjustments when necessary.

In the fast-paced environment of a restaurant, unexpected challenges can arise, just like in a game where the opposition tries to throw the team off balance.

A great manager must be adaptable and make quick decisions to keep the restaurant running smoothly. They must also motivate their team, just as a coach encourages their players to give their best performance.

Ultimately, just as a coach's success is measured by the team's performance, a restaurant manager's success is determined by the restaurant's overall performance, customer satisfaction, and financial results.

Here are some tips on how you can lead your team to victory every shift:

Clear Communication

Effective communication is key to fostering a cohesive environment. In sports, coaches emphasize open lines of communication between team members to ensure everyone is on the same page. Similarly, in a restaurant, encourage regular communication among staff members and promote an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Teamwork and Collaboration

In sports, teamwork is crucial for success. Similarly, in a restaurant, encourage a collaborative work environment where employees support and help one another. Foster a sense of camaraderie by organizing team-building activities and emphasizing the importance of working together towards common goals.

Shared Goals and Vision

In sports, teams rally around a shared goal or vision, such as winning a championship. Similarly, in the restaurant business, establish a clear vision for the establishment and communicate it to the staff. Ensure that everyone understands the objectives and is aligned with the mission of providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience.

Mutual Respect and Recognition

In sports, respect for teammates and opponents is essential. Similarly, in a restaurant, promote a culture of mutual respect among the staff. Encourage employees to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions, and regularly acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements.

Continuous Training and Development

In sports, athletes undergo constant training and development to improve their skills. Likewise, in the restaurant industry, invest in training programs to enhance the skills of your employees. Provide opportunities for growth and development, such as cross-training in different roles or providing access to industry-related workshops and courses.

Positive Leadership

In sports, coaches serve as role models and provide positive leadership to motivate and inspire their teams. As a restaurant manager, lead by example and maintain a positive attitude. Provide constructive feedback and support to your staff, and be approachable and available to address any concerns or challenges they may have.

Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

In sports, teams thrive when they embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing the strengths that each individual brings. In the restaurant business, create an inclusive environment that appreciates and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of your staff. Foster a culture of equality and fairness, where everyone feels valued and included.

By applying these principles from the world of sports to the restaurant business, you can lead your team to victory and build a cohesive, supportive atmosphere that promotes teamwork, excellence, and a positive work environment that will lead to delivering an exceptional dining experience for your guests.

Shoutout to the Denver Nuggets for entertaining us with their thrilling sweep of the LA Lakers!

Be Well,

Christin

The Importance of Rest and Recovery in the Restaurant Business

Working in the restaurant business can be an exhilarating and fast-paced experience. The constant movement, bustling environment, and demanding tasks often make it easy to lose track of the toll it takes on our bodies and minds. 

In this blog, we will delve into the significance of taking a recovery day for both our mental and physical health, focusing on the benefits of restorative yoga as a means of rejuvenation. 

Counting Steps: The Unseen Toll

One of the subtle yet significant aspects of working in a restaurant is the sheer number of steps we take in a single day. 

Whether we're waitstaff, chefs, or managers, our occupation demands constant movement. 

Every day, our steps accumulate, often reaching astonishing numbers. While it may seem like a trivial aspect, the impact on our bodies should not be overlooked.

Physical Well-being: The Need for Rest

The nature of the restaurant business is physically demanding. 

Long hours spent on our feet, carrying trays, lifting heavy pots and pans, and navigating cramped spaces take a toll on our muscles and joints. 

The repetitive motion of certain tasks can lead to strain and injuries, especially when we neglect to prioritize rest.

Taking a recovery day is essential to allow our bodies to heal and regenerate. 

Rest helps reduce inflammation, prevents chronic pain, and lowers the risk of long-term musculoskeletal issues. 

By acknowledging the physical toll our work takes on us and embracing recovery, we can improve our overall physical well-being and prolong our careers in the restaurant industry.

Mental Health: Recharge for Resilience

The restaurant business is known for its high-stress environment. 

Dealing with demanding customers, time pressure, and the need to multitask can lead to mental exhaustion and burnout. 

While we often push through long hours and stressful situations, neglecting our mental health can have serious consequences.

Taking a recovery day allows us to recharge mentally and emotionally. 

It gives us the opportunity to step away from the fast-paced environment and focus on self-care. 

Rest and relaxation replenish our energy reserves, improve focus and concentration, and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. 

By acknowledging the importance of mental recovery, we can enhance our overall well-being and perform better in our professional lives.

The Restorative Power of Yoga

When it comes to recovery, restorative yoga is a powerful tool. 

It offers a gentle and nurturing practice that allows us to relax and restore our bodies and minds. 

Unlike more intense forms of yoga, restorative yoga focuses on passive stretching, deep breathing, and mindfulness.

Restorative yoga promotes deep relaxation, releases tension, and calms the nervous system. 

By practicing this form of yoga, we can reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and enhance our sleep quality. 

Additionally, the meditative aspects of restorative yoga help us cultivate mindfulness and promote a sense of inner peace and balance.

In the demanding world of the restaurant business, it's crucial to prioritize rest and recovery for our overall well-being. 

Taking a recovery day is not a sign of weakness but a proactive approach to maintaining our physical and mental health. 

Be Well,

Christin

Learn a Cooking Technique That Can Give You a Mental Break

I went out to get some sun by the pool last week, take a break from my busy week and get lost in my headphones and enjoy total solitude.  

I’ve been listening to so many awesome podcasts lately about coaching, consulting, blogging, hosting a podcast and writing a book and needed a different voice to listen to and a topic that didn’t pertain to work.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

In my search to learn something new about health and fitness, I stumbled upon Arnold Schwarzenegger’s podcast Pump Club. In this podcast, Arnold gives you short workouts anyone can do, shares his favorite delicious recipes (I remember my dad drinking his shakes with raw eggs back in the 80’s) and shares stories about people in his “village.”

I listened to a few episodes as they are around 5-12 minutes long but the one that stuck out to me was episode #19: The 4-1-1 on Training. 

In this episode, Arnold offers 2 techniques that will make your workouts harder and talks about how he cooks via Sous Vide and how it can give you more time to spend with friends and family. 

I’ve never thought about the mental health benefits of cooking with a Sous Vide and was inspired to write about it. 

Sous Vide

Sous vide is a method of cooking that uses precise temperature control. Food is sealed in an airtight plastic pouch and then cooked in a water bath at a controlled temperature. 

Since the temperature is controlled and consistent, it's nearly impossible to overcook the food. 

This allows you to achieve consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.

Tyler and I love using a Sous Vide. Ours always sits on the counter and we use it 2-3 times a week to cook steak, pork tenderloin and chicken. 

Now that I am working from home mostly, I’ve been more active in prepping our meals (I am the Sous Chef and Tyler is the Exec) and I love how easy it is to drop a pork tenderloin in the Sous vide and rush off to a meeting.

Mental Health Benefits of Cooking with a Sous Vide

The precise and effortless nature of sous vide cooking allows you to take a mental break and focus on other activities, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in self-care. 

Additionally, the consistent and reliable results that come with sous vide cooking can reduce stress and anxiety related to meal preparation, as you don't have to worry about over or undercooking your food. 

Overall, cooking with a sous vide can provide a much-needed mental break, reduce stress levels, and allow you to be more present and engaged in other aspects of your life.

Enjoying great food is such a part of who I am and is such a happy place for me.

I hope if you’ve never tried Sous Vide that you look into it. It’s a game changer in the kitchen!

Crushing Your Limiting Beliefs: How to Manage the Judge Saboteur

What is a Saboteur?

Saboteur thoughts are negative and self-defeating beliefs that can undermine a person's confidence, self-esteem, and ability to succeed. These thoughts are often formed as a result of negative experiences, messages, or feedback that a person receives throughout their life. 

Saboteur thoughts can show up in childhood as a result of criticism, bullying, or pressure to conform to certain standards. In adulthood, these thoughts may manifest as imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or self-doubt. 

The Judge

The Judge saboteur is a negative inner voice that constantly criticizes and judges us, often causing feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt. This saboteur is formed as a result of societal and cultural norms and standards that we internalize from a young age. 

The Judge saboteur can show up in various forms, such as self-criticism, perfectionism, and self-doubt, and it can impact many aspects of our lives, including our relationships, work, and overall well-being. 

We all have a Judge saboteur to some extent because it is a natural part of being human. 

The Judge saboteur can show up in three main ways: self-judgment, other-judgment, and circumstance-judgment. 

Self-judgment involves harshly criticizing and holding oneself to impossibly high standards, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. 

Other-judgment involves judging and criticizing others, often leading to negative thoughts and behaviors towards them, and damaging relationships. 

Circumstance-judgment involves judging and criticizing situations and circumstances, often leading to feelings of helplessness and frustration. 

These three forms of the Judge saboteur can impact many aspects of our lives, including our relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Karen

My coach, Ryan, first introduced me to the concept of a "judge," as he could hear my judge showing up frequently during our coaching conversations. Together, we worked on personifying my judge and creating an image that I could recognize. That way, each time it showed up, I could recognize it, think about what purpose it was serving, and then dismiss it.

My judge's name is Karen. For those of you who don't know Karen in the restaurant world, Karen is associated with the kind of person who demands to speak to the manager in order to belittle service workers. My Karen has a short, choppy blonde haircut and is always dressed up, but in a trashy kind of way.

In 2020, Karen became widely known in the restaurant industry when Domino's Pizza had to issue an apology for a promotion it ran in Australia and New Zealand offering free pizza to “nice Karens”.

Karen loves to point out my flaws and shortcomings, nitpicking whatever I do. She doesn't hold back with her criticism of me or anything else that she deems isn't up to par- from how much effort I put in at work compared to others around us, all the way down what size clothes fit perfectly on me. 

Karen has always been quick to pass judgment on my peers, going so far as to single out those whose skills and aptitudes mirror my own. Her tendency towards harsh criticism rather than collaboration reveals a deep insecurity that is likely rooted in self-doubt.

Karen has a nasty habit of undercutting any confidence that I have in myself. With her constant reminders that others around me are more knowledgeable, she plants the seed of doubt and intimidation into my mind - no matter how much effort or dedication is put forth, it will never be enough.

Managing your Judge

Managing the Judge saboteur can be challenging, but there are several effective ways to do so. 

We can be our own worst enemy, but it's important to recognize when we've been invaded by the Judge Saboteur. Try giving this inner critic a name and envisioning its features- ask yourself "What does Karen look like?" 

By taking time to identify your judge and seeing it as separate from you, you have begun an empowering journey of self-awareness!

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can also be helpful in managing the Judge saboteur by increasing self-awareness and reducing stress. Finally, seeking support from a therapist or coach can provide additional tools and strategies for managing the Judge saboteur.

One exercise to manage the Judge saboteur is the "compassionate self-talk" exercise. This involves identifying a self-critical thought or belief and reframing it with a compassionate and supportive statement. 

For example, if the Judge saboteur says "I am such a failure", one could reframe this as "I am doing my best, and I am learning and growing every day". 

Practicing this exercise regularly can help to rewire negative thought patterns and promote self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Learning how to manage your judge saboteur is like catching an interception on the football field. You see something coming toward you that is not meant for you, you take control of it and then make the decision to start moving in a positive direction that leads to success.

When Karen shows up for me, I take a second to realize she is in the room, thank her for being there and then tell her to “fuck off.”

Your saboteurs will always be a part of who you are but you can take control over how loud their voices are in your head and how big a part they play in their role in your life. 

If you are interested in learning more about Saboteurs and the 9 accomplices to the Judge,

check out Positive Intelligence’s saboteurs assessment.