I quit

It amazes me how some people can come to be in a position of power without having any skills as a leader. I promise that this will be my one and only rant about my job, but I just thought I'd get it out before I quit and bitch about just a few of the things that bother me about my "boss". Strap yourself in and get a drink; this is going to take awhile and it probably will have no rhyme or reason to it.

Just today, while I was in the kitchen and my "G.M." was "managing" the dining room, we had a man come in the restaurant who smelled as though he hadn't showered in months. No one could sit within 25 feet of this man. Now, I'm not speaking ill of this man, nor do I wish to speculate as to why he may have smelled so awfully, but that fact is, he made all of the employees and the other guests very, very uncomfortable. Also, we had two ministers come in to have lunch. They asked several personal questions of their server, then told her she was beyond saving and was going to go to hell. Then they proceeded to approach a couple who was dining near them, asked them several personal questions, then them they were going to hell. How did our G.M. handle these situations? He ran away. Hid in the office. He allowed everyone else in the restaurant to feel uncomfortable so that he could avoid a confrontation, thereby maintaining his own comfort. These might seem like minor events, but it's the principle of the matter. It's his job a manager, a leader, to make his establishment a comfortable place for the employees and guests of the restaurant.

No, I'm not done. When he does decide it's time to confront an employee, he does it with hostility. It's so bad, that I feel I have to compromise some of my own standards because the employees catch so much shit from the other managers (the kitchen manager is his little protege). I have to be especially lenient because they're treated so poorly. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm seeking employment elsewhere. Anyway, our district manager, came in the other night. I was the only manager there at the time, so we sat and talked for awhile. A nice chat, I thought. Afterward, one of the servers took her aside to inquire as to why she hadn't had a raise in two years. Now, I had explained to her that servers don't get raises. You make your money from your guests. I teach my servers everything I know about great guest service, and those who choose to listen invariably make more money. I explained to this server that would be happy to help her figure out what she could do better with her guests. She accepted this, but wanted to hear it from the DM. She asked the DM why she hadn't had a raise in two years, or an opportunity to be a trainer. The DM told her two years wasn't a long time, she had servers that worked for for ten years, and "Look at you. You look like a sack of shit." The fact that a DM would talk to a server like that astounds me.

So, a few days later, GM comes to work and tells this particular server that her apron looks like hell and she has to either buy a new one or go home. Now, those of us who care about doing our jobs right have a process for going about change. First we explain the change that needs to be made, in this case a better looking uniform (I should say that her apron was not dirty or wrinkled, just a little faded). Then, we explain why this change is important for everyone, as well as how everyone will go about such a change. Lastly, we set a deadline for said change to be made, and explain the consequences of not achieving the set goal. We do not say "Buy a new apron right now or go home." We especially don't say these things in front of other employees. Never do we chastise or punish an employee in front of other employees. I thought that was common sense, but I guess not. Anyway, this server leaves, ultimately losing her job, because the DM didn't like her and said get rid of her.

Shortly after sending this server home, GM gathers everyone together for a pre-shift meeting (which never happens unless there's something to bitch about, despite the fact that daily pre-shift meetings are one of the most important tools for teaching and development). I'm thinking he might begin the process for change I outlined above. Silly me. He says "You all look like trash. I'm fucking sick of this. I'm not going to put with this shit anymore. If I or one of the other managers tells you to fix your uniform, you fix it right then or you'll be sent home. If it's not fixed on your next shift, you'll be discharged." Way to pump everyone up for a great shift. Now, when was the last time you think he mentioned any sort of uniform problem before? It's also noteworthy that the uniforms are about to change drastically, and everyone will have to pay for their own, so who's going to buy anything new now?

What's really great is when you confront him about his behavior and the way he treats people. "I didn't say that." "I didn't say it like that." "Are you going to believe a server over me?" Absolutely. I hope that everyone knows that I have their best interests in mind and I'm constantly going to bat for them (so is Drema, by the way)

GM and KM have created an environment of hostility with a lack of respect, inappropriate, foul language, and sexual harassment. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to convince everyone that there are other jobs, and they can do better. I'll even give you a reference if you'll just leave. They are the only thing keeping that place together, because God knows I'm just trying to get out at this point.

At a recent employee meeting, when the employees (mostly servers, who are treated the worst, by far) raised some questions about the way the restaurant is run, they were told that they were not asked to work at Texas Steakhouse, they chose to apply and they were all replaceable. Basically he said "Do as I say, not as I do, because I don't need you and I'll get rid of you." I hope the day comes when he realizes just how much he needs his employees.

Basically what goes on here on a daily basis is a GM and KM using whoever they must to get whatever they need at that moment, including me. They give no consideration to achieving future success, developing employees, and providing great guest service. As long as they're not made to look bad, everything is peachy. The worst part about it is that most of the employees don't understand how bad it is and how much better it could be. I do. I was lucky to learn from and work with two of the best people I've come in contact with in this business: Scott Sipler and Julie Gagne. Both work for The Olive Garden, and I have much respect for them both, and that respect grows everyday I'm here. There are others that would tell you the same. I want my people to get a taste of how things are supposed to be. I tried when I first arrived at this restaurant, to no avail. You can't save a sinking ship if you're the only one with a bucket. Time to throw the raft and bail out. I truly care about the people I work with, almost to a fault, but I feel like it's because I understand how to manage a successful operation, and most of the people I work with know that and will go to war for me.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

"The way people feel about me is the way they feel about themselves when they are around me."

"Do unto others as they would have you do unto them."

I don't think these are hard concepts to live by. I have others, but these are the main things that GM and KM are not understanding, and they're so set in their ways that they won't change. How hard is it to understand that it's not their job to command people, it's their job to serve people, including employees. Our job is to provide our employees the tools, training, and support they need to give our guests exceptional product and service. They certainly won't take any advice from me. I know this doesn't even begin to paint an accurate picture for outsiders, especially those not familiar with the restaurant business. I just hope everyone who lives this with me knows that I'd love a chance to start new with them so we can do it right together.

I apologize to anyone who sat through that entire thing. That was more for me, though I didn't come close to expressing all of my frustrations. I know that I am very good at what I do, and I'm angry at myself for putting myself in a situation where I cannot do what I do best. I can't wait to quit this job, though I truly feel bad for the good people I'll leave behind, and I can only hope that the ones I can't bring with me will find something better soon.