Bar Operations Made Easy: Training for Culture
Success in hospitality is not just measured solely by the quality of drinks served or the ambiance created; it's also deeply rooted in the culture that permeates the establishment.
While inside jokes and unique quirks shared among staff and regulars can be essential to a bar's culture, more importantly, it should involve a well-defined code of conduct, and a set of core values that every team member understands and follows. Training for culture ensures that all your staff are on the same page, and can consistently deliver your products with excellent service.
What are your core values?
The foundation of any strong business culture lies in defining the core values that will guide the actions and behaviors of every team member. If your establishment doesn't already have a set of values, gather your team and brainstorm a list of possible attributes that contribute to success. Consider researching the values of businesses that you admire. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, narrow down this list to 3 to 5 key attributes that everyone on the team should hold in the highest regard. These core values will become the guiding principles that set the tone for the entire bar environment.
What are your key practices?
While core values define the "Why" of the bar culture, key practices outline the "What" – the non-negotiable actions and behaviors that every team member must follow and that set your establishment apart from other bars. Key practices could include adherence to standard operating procedures, following recipes exactly, the responsible service of alcohol, supporting team members both inside and outside of work, and more. Take the time to engage with your staff in open discussions to identify and refine these key practices, creating a shared understanding of the actions that bring your bar's core values to life.
Determine your current strengths:
Reflecting on the current strengths of the team is crucial for understanding what contributes most to the bar's success. Imagine being interviewed by a food and beverage writer about why your bar stands out – what would you attribute to its achievements? Celebrate and amplify these strengths to further enhance the positive aspects of your bar culture.
What are your weaknesses? Where can you improve?
Taking a critical look at the bar as a whole, including the team, equipment setup, service, and product. Identify roadblocks or consistent issues hindering its full potential. Focus on themes rather than personal critiques, aiming to address areas that can be improved collaboratively by the team.
PLAN OF ACTION:
Select an identified weakness or issue as a group to address over the next few weeks. For the first iteration of this exercise, opt for an issue that may be relatively easy to solve but has been overlooked or neglected. Develop a simple yet effective plan to tackle the issue, assign responsible team members, and establish a timeline for check-ins and completion. This strategic approach ensures a focused effort on continuous improvement, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
Training for culture in the realm of bars and hospitality is a dynamic process that involves defining core values, establishing key practices, recognizing strengths, addressing weaknesses, and implementing strategic action plans. Unfiltered Hospitality can help in nurturing a positive and purposeful bar culture, teams can elevate their performance, enhance customer experiences, and set the stage for sustained success in the competitive world of hospitality. Schedule a call today!