Phil Grandbois' Hospitable Opinion

A passionate consultant in the new economy has Phil delivering dynamic solutions to a diverse set of hospitality and small business clients. Phil is now with Barmetrix Canada and it has given him an opportunity to work with clients, from multi-site Hotel chains to small bar & restaurant operations. Phil and his growing team at Barmetrix Calgary Inc. are working in Alberta with operations to drive profits up and help owners gain control in a tough economy. As the co-founder of the Calgary Bartenders Association, Phil is also proven training professional and driven to grow the industry with the “movers and shakers” of the Calgary Hospitality industry.

Leadership and the new age of accountability from your bartender..

I am sure I am not the first to really say that “times are different” in the business of hospitality these days.

A lot has changed in only a few short years and I have to admit that my favourite trend has to be what I am seeing on more and more bars….A very clear leader.

Bartending has long been for the entrepreneurs, but now we are seeing entrepreneurs looking to contribute in a down economy, where jobs are more scarce and “security” in a hospitality “gig” can go a long long way.

The clear leader in your business or on your bar or on your floor is certainly your “nearest to entrepreneurship”, would you agree?

Leaders have a certain quality, but it needs to be developed and if it can be honed and directed for YOUR business you are sure to reap the benefits. Here is a personal example;

I have recently come back from a leadership trip for our company, an incredible experience with some of my closest peers.

It was truly an honour to be chosen by my peers to be a “Leader” in our company, and this was our chance to celebrate it together.

All that aside, it made me realize something about the last 10 years I have spent in hospitality.

On the bar, on the floor, I always tried to lead. Sometimes successfully, sometimes a little before my time.

Every time I have demonstrated great leadership, and be “awarded” even with a simple “Kudos” from the owner, I came back on fire, and ready to contribute and lead even further.

I know I am not john “everyman”, whatever that means, but fostering the growth of your leaders in your business WILL turn into better bottom line results.

Your business is no different than those I continue to work for, it needs a clear leader, a (wo)man ready to take responsibility for every drink served across the “wood”.

A person who sees the customers needs for great service and the teams individual needs in training and aid.

A leader gives a team something to strive towards. A leader is a Pole or Pillar that the team tethers to and looks to take over (eventually).

Leadership needs to be promoted and celebrated, fostered even. It IS the difference between 5% and 20% net returns, I implore you to find a fortune 500 company without a clear leader, competing for his leadership.

Now for those of you seeing a glowing man on a towering pedestal, reign it in. This is not what I am saying.

Lao Tzu is quoted saying

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

A leader is a lot of things, but when he/she is developed under a system that allows for growth and structures, well a leader would;

hold the team together, and keep them longer..

jump on a grenade..

inspire others to do what he/she does

be the most accountable, and be able to answer the questions about accountability

create competition, something we all strive to do

A leader can do a lot for your bar or restaurant. Do you already have a leader that you have not seen?

Pick your leaders, better yet, have your team pick the leaders, celebrate and drive together.

Philippe Grandbois – Barmetrix