The Restaurant Doctor - Electronic House Call

ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - August 3, 2001

I am off tomorrow for a few days in Scottsdale for the Council of Hotel & Restaurant Trainers conference. (Arizona in August? What's wrong with this picture?!!)

NOT SO FAST . . .
Before you or any of your staff get all excited about receiving your tax-relief checks, you should know that this check is NOT a rebate of taxes already paid. It is an advance on the refund you might have received when you file next April. This means your refund next April will be $300-600 smaller than it would have been or, if you owe taxes, your tax bill will be $300-600 higher. For more information, read David Milstead's article for the Scripps Howard News Service.

A note from the Doc:
I suppose this really has nothing to do with the hospitality biz, but I find it a disturbing bit of sleight-of-hand, all the more so because of the spin that has been put on it. As the truth gets out, it cannot help but create resentment and deepen the public's distrust of government. The lesson here for managers is to keep things simple and tell the whole truth in any dealing you have with your staff. People can accept anything if they know the full story. Anything less erodes trust and fosters irritation. As Sir Walter Scott put it, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive."

THE BOX SCORE
Every time the EHC includes one of my politically-incorrect rants, it always knocks off a few subscribers. Last week's blast caused four more to jump ship. Lots of "right ons" from the rest of you, however, along with a few horror stories that illustrated my point perfectly. The corporate mentality may be the best thing that ever happened to help independent operators staff their restaurants . . . just make sure that you are not guilty of the same pig-headedness that we so easily recognize in others. A quick test: When was the last time you implemented an idea that came from a member of your staff? Does your staff most often see your passion . . . or your frustration? Do you get your kicks from seeing guests have a great time . . . or from turning a strong bottom line? (Hint: the two are not mutually exclusive, but take care of your guests and the profits will follow!) And, of course, the acid test: what did you learn from your staff today?

ONE MORE THING
I am totally revising the program that includes my Home Remedies (snail mail) newsletter into a more complete package of monthly coaching assistance. An information flyer will be going in the mail on this but I only have e-mail addresses for the majority of the EHC subscribers. If you would like to see what I have in mind, send your mailing address and I will add you to the list for a one-time mailing.

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