Managing

I have now completed two complete weeks in this position and I still feel like there is so much that I don't know. One of the most frustrating things for me to deal with is the feeling of uselessness. Being new to the restaurant (I have never actually worked in a restaurant before!) there is so much that I don't know from processes and procedures to how to carry a tray with four plates on it. I really do not like not being able to do my job without having to follow someone else's every step. The feeling of not being able to assist is a very big reason why I do not change jobs often. This feeling of uselessness has only inspired me to work diligently everyday to learn my position so that I can become a leader for my team and someone who they can come to with any questions or needs.

I have noticed that my management skills are already becoming more refined. At the Front Desk, I did not really give myself the opportunity to step up and become a leader for my team for various reasons and I see that now. This is why I have pushed myself to continuously work daily on really becoming a manager for my associates. It is very easy when working with people my age to just slide in and become a friend to them, but I have seen through myself and other managers at my property that there must be a line between my associates and myself. By doing this I have seen that it is easier for me to respect my associates and them to do the same for me.

Richard and I have begun working on our marketing campaign to bring more people into the restaurant. We have put together lunch and happy hour specials for the local businesses in the area and will soon be reaching out to these businesses and encouraging them to come in, and to come in often! We have also worked on coming up with ideas to promote the Starbucks that is in our hotel. From day 1 Richard has told me that we are a team in this and share the restaurant 50/50, and he has really held to this. He has picked my brain on how to bring people to the restaurant which has inspired me to really work on ideas for both the restaurant and Starbucks.

One thing that I am very proud of is that we have had our most successful day in Fire + Spice ever this last week! I am very lucky to be a part of a team that has accomplished this. I have now also experienced what a very busy day in the restaurant looks like, which will only serve to help me in the future when I don't have my manager Richard on the floor with me.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to document a college internship experience. Content published on this blog represents the author’s ideas, opinions, and experience. This does not necessarily represent the views of the internship organization.