Tag Archive: restaurant

  • What Body Part are You?  Components of an Organization

    Leave a Comment

     Sometimes I think we confuse ourselves, striving to emulate our superiors, or presenting ourselves in the same manner as our peers, to ensure a thriving company culture. I believe this mindset, where we should all be functioning with the same style (and sometimes approach), couldn’t be further from the truth.

    A machine requires multiple, uniquely individual components to function at its desired capacity. The human body, being a complex machine, consists of smaller interconnected machines (heart, eyes, lungs, etc.), each having its own purpose. Yet, functioning in a symbiotic relationship to each other.

    Although each body part has their own predetermined function, the designated systems and components are not absolute, rigid, and inflexible as in a man-made machine. Despite the inconsistencies, the body has the awesome capability of maintaining homeostasis.

    Like the human body, an organization is one body that is made up of smaller systems (departments) and components (employees). It is essential for the success of organizations to identify positive characteristics of each employee, permitting them to utilize these gifts and talents. In other words, recognizing what body part they represent. As new situations arise, duties are certainly interchangeable but there are typically predominant roles and defined parts in any structure.

    The merging of the “body parts” together to create one body results in a highly functioning operational system that gives the company its completeness.  An innovative machine that purr’s like a kitten.

    So, what body part are you?

    The spine who provides the backbone and support for the organization?

    The lips (being the most sensitive of all body parts) providing a delicate sense of respect and recognition for the team and a calm, welcoming atmosphere for the guests?

    The thumb (full of optimism and reassurance for others, tending to have the innate skill to give a “thumbs up” when people need encouragement)?

    The eyes, visualizing new ideas and distinct views for the company?

    The right brain, displaying creativity? This person is great for marketing!

    With all of the moving parts of the body doing their job, the organization is able to succeed in its mission in optimally meeting its goals. No part is better than the other… they are all so critical for the success of the company as a whole.

     

     

     

  • Don’t Forget Your “Thank You” Letter

    Leave a Comment

     

    When you interview for a Restaurant Manager, or Chef, position, most likely, the interviewers are meeting with numerous candidates to find the “right fit” for their job opening.  There are specific skills they are looking for, in the ideal candidate, that are tailored for the job at hand.  However, all interviewers are looking for a candidate who possesses these basic leader character traits: Accountability, Respect, and someone who is Personable.

    The hospitality industry is highly competitive and you don’t want to be another number.  It is crucial to make yourself stand out from the other candidates.  There are various ways that you can accomplish this.  One means in particular, and I cannot emphasize it enough, is to write a respectful, yet simple, “Thank You” letter as an interview follow-up.  This (often neglected) letter speaks volumes when it comes to the standard attributes all employers are looking for to reach their hiring decision.

    The letter can be delivered via snail mail.  However, in today’s technological day and age, it is acceptable to send it via an E-mail.   Either way, timing is key.  It is imperative that you send the letter within a day of your interview, preferably the same day.  This will reinforce your high level of interest, while proving that you possess the fundamental characteristics of a true leader.

    The “Thank You” letter, or note, should not be lengthy.  It should be short and to the point.  Start off by simply thanking the interviewer(s) for their consideration and time for the specific job.

    Then, briefly state why you believe you are the best candidate for the position, mentioning your proven track record of past successes and skills in particular that match you to the job. This should be no more than a couple of sentences.

    Finally, reiterate your gratitude and provide your contact information.  Here is an example:

    I would like to again thank you for your taking time out of your day today to meet me and for your consideration.  I am very excited about this position and hope to hear from you soon.

    Sincerely,

    Jody Dugan

    301-637-5260

    jody@duganstaffing.com

    Often unidentified as a key element in the interview process by candidates, a “Thank You” letter is essential in illustrating that you possess the necessary skills and traits to be the leader all companies desire. It may be the one thing that holds the key to the door in which the offer is behind.

  • What Body Part are You?  Components of an Organization

    Leave a Comment

     Sometimes I think we confuse ourselves, striving to emulate our superiors, or presenting ourselves in the same manner as our peers, to ensure a thriving company culture. I believe this mindset, where we should all be functioning with the same style (and sometimes approach), couldn’t be further from the truth.

    A machine requires multiple, uniquely individual components to function at its desired capacity. The human body, being a complex machine, consists of smaller interconnected machines (heart, eyes, lungs, etc.), each having its own purpose. Yet, functioning in a symbiotic relationship to each other.

    Although each body part has their own predetermined function, the designated systems and components are not absolute, rigid, and inflexible as in a man-made machine. Despite the inconsistencies, the body has the awesome capability of maintaining homeostasis.

    Like the human body, an organization is one body that is made up of smaller systems (departments) and components (employees). It is essential for the success of organizations to identify positive characteristics of each employee, permitting them to utilize these gifts and talents. In other words, recognizing what body part they represent. As new situations arise, duties are certainly interchangeable but there are typically predominant roles and defined parts in any structure.

    The merging of the “body parts” together to create one body results in a highly functioning operational system that gives the company its completeness.  An innovative machine that purr’s like a kitten.

    So, what body part are you?

    The spine who provides the backbone and support for the organization?

    The lips (being the most sensitive of all body parts) providing a delicate sense of respect and recognition for the team and a calm, welcoming atmosphere for the guests?

    The thumb (full of optimism and reassurance for others, tending to have the innate skill to give a “thumbs up” when people need encouragement)?

    The eyes, visualizing new ideas and distinct views for the company?

    The right brain, displaying creativity? This person is great for marketing!

    With all of the moving parts of the body doing their job, the organization is able to succeed in its mission in optimally meeting its goals. No part is better than the other… they are all so critical for the success of the company as a whole.

     

     

     

  • Don’t Forget Your “Thank You” Letter

    1 Comment

     

    When you interview for a Restaurant Manager, or Chef, position, most likely, the interviewers are meeting with numerous candidates to find the “right fit” for their job opening.  There are specific skills they are looking for, in the ideal candidate, that are tailored for the job at hand.  However, all interviewers are looking for a candidate who possesses these basic leader character traits: Accountability, Respect, and someone who is Personable.

    The hospitality industry is highly competitive and you don’t want to be another number.  It is crucial to make yourself stand out from the other candidates.  There are various ways that you can accomplish this.  One means in particular, and I cannot emphasize it enough, is to write a respectful, yet simple, “Thank You” letter as an interview follow-up.  This (often neglected) letter speaks volumes when it comes to the standard attributes all employers are looking for to reach their hiring decision.

    The letter can be delivered via snail mail.  However, in today’s technological day and age, it is acceptable to send it via an E-mail.   Either way, timing is key.  It is imperative that you send the letter within a day of your interview, preferably the same day.  This will reinforce your high level of interest, while proving that you possess the fundamental characteristics of a true leader.

    The “Thank You” letter, or note, should not be lengthy.  It should be short and to the point.  Start off by simply thanking the interviewer(s) for their consideration and time for the specific job.

    Then, briefly state why you believe you are the best candidate for the position, mentioning your proven track record of past successes and skills in particular that match you to the job. This should be no more than a couple of sentences.

    Finally, reiterate your gratitude and provide your contact information.  Here is an example:

    I would like to again thank you for your taking time out of your day today to meet me and for your consideration.  I am very excited about this position and hope to hear from you soon.

    Sincerely,

    Jody Dugan

    301-637-5260

    jody@duganstaffing.com

    Often unidentified as a key element in the interview process by candidates, a “Thank You” letter is essential in illustrating that you possess the necessary skills and traits to be the leader all companies desire. It may be the one thing that holds the key to the door in which the offer is behind.