Micromanaging.....a very bothersome trait

I have worked with a number of owners and managers who feel it is necessary to try and micromanage things. This is so not cool!. Not only do they undermine the staff and show the customer that they have no confidence in anyone’s ability to do their job, oftentimes they end up putting the customer on the defense.

I have witnessed many occasions when upon delivering entrees to a table, I asked them if they would like more bread, and they declined. “Oh, no thank you, we’ve had plenty of bread, we don’t need any more.” Then suddenly the owner or manager swoops in, picks up the bread basket, says “Here, you need more bread!” Then rushes off to refill something they don’t want refilled. This gives us the message that they feel we are not doing our job. So they triumphantly return to the table with an over-flowing bread basket, that will all go to waste! On the flip side, how do you expect us to sell any desserts if you keep force feeding people bread?!?

You bitch at us for wasting half a pot of coffee (which is abut $2.50 a tanker on a freight train) yet you seem to be on some sort of stupid mission with the bread.

Thennnnn…….you walk by a table or someone eating at the bar and decide that there are plates that need to be removed. As you reach for the plate, the customer has to inform you that they are not done eating yet. (I’ve seen that happen a lot)

Last night the owner asked one of my customers at least ten questions. “Do you need more bread?” “No.” Do you want those leftover appetizers wrapped up?” “No.” Do you need a new plate?” “No.” :Should I get you more silverware?” Okay, now you’re getting really ridiculous. After a several more questions she finally told him….”I’m saving the appetizers for my friend, who will be here in a few minutes, we have another appetizer coming, but we’re not gonna order that one until he gets here, I’m fine , I don’t need anything. We have everything under control.”

See, you just forced the customer to take a defensive position. Way to make them feel comfortable! If this were a court of law, you would’ve been called out for badgering the witness.

Go do what you do best….greet people at the front door, seat them, and forget to give them menus.