How can I get out of a "server mentality" after being promoted to manager?

Question

I've been promoted from server to assistant manager. Last night I had to run a banquet, and it was really hard to not be a server. I see what needs to be done & do it, rather than telling my server to do it. I know she appreciated it, but that's not really my job. I am supposed to coordinate host/server/kitchen and time everything.
how do I get past the server mentality? I've been doing it for 20 years, and was promoted from server to manager. Its hard. Any advice?

Answer 1

Your concern is really one of wanting to be in control and being very familiar with the job you are supervising. This is typical for anyone when they are supervising people doing their past job. To feel in control, list the key things that you expect and use your time to make sure your employees know what is expected and then you check to see if they have performed up to your expectations. Giving them feedback, both positive and negative when they are not up to par. I am sure there are also other parts of the job that you should be doing such as scheduling, planning, hiring, looking for ways to improve how things are done and implementing them, etc. These should keep you busy. I would also be sure that you know exactly what is expected of someone in your position so that you are meeting the requirements of your job.

Answer 2

Julie does have many great points.

I suggest you try not to lose the "server mentality" use it to your advantage. You know what it is like so you can help other servers see what they are doing right or wrong. You would be a great person to train new servers. I am sure the servers will appreciate someone that can deal with "upper management" knowing what problems they deal with concerning the customers.

Congrats on the promotion I am sure it was well deserved.

Answer 3

You spent so much time as a server you will always be one in your mind which is a good thing. Stay humble but watch out for "leeches". THey will become, or try to become, your best friend. And if you had friends before the promotion be careful they do not resent your hard earned promotion. Leeches will be people who never bothered with you before but now want to be your best friends. They only want a) Special treatment or b) your new position. Just continue to do the great job that got you that promo and watch your back. Trust is now something you should guard VERY closely. My wife was a cashier now she runs a Starbucks, Burger KIng, and a Doggery. She has had to watch her back everyday yet maintain the basics of service and quality that got her to this position. And don't forget not everyone is out to get you but watch for the signs. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

great idea. This kind of thinking needs to be more universal. Perhaps conservatives should be labeled as terrorists for trying to use terror schemes to control the world. Lets bring back America as the front runners on human rights and freedom, and not fall victim to the groundless claims that "if we don't torture people, america won't be safe". NEWS FLASH CONSERVATIVES: America didn't suffer an attack for 50 years and during that time, America not only did NOT torture people, but also was the staunchest opponents to torture. If the department of defense needs to have people tortured to do their job, well then, they just aren't doing their job very well.

Answer 5

Congratulations !!



Just ask your boss how best to go about your duties. When you're really good at something and then judge others compared to yourself. they may almost always pale in comparison. So give them some slack, but find out at which point your bosses might want to fire an individual. Plenty of people want jobs, and that cozy restaurant you work at sounds like a nice place to work.

I'm sure you'll do well !!

Answer 6

I don't think you will ever get rid of it and will just have to learn not to interfere with the jobs of others and concentrate on your tasks.

It will be a tough one that I have had similar experience. From being behind a shop counter to a totally different industry.



I still remember my "new" boss at the time telling me "You are no longer at xyz, and we do things differently here"

Answer 7

Have enough servers to do the job and trust them to do it.