Raising your standards is not a theoretical, pie-in-the-sky statement, but something that can be managed and measured in tangible ways. Raining your standards can take many forms and might include the following:

• Strict employee dress code and appearance standards.
• Spotless restrooms.
• Recipe cards required when preparing any recipe.
• A friendly smile, eye contact, and gracious greeting to every guest.
• Food is hot when it leaves the kitchen.
• Periodic ticket time audits.
• Line checks completed prior to every shift.
• Tables bussed within 60 seconds of guest departure.
• Burnt-out bulbs or sign lights replaced the same day.
• Dining room floors kept immaculate – no crumbs or debris.
• Handwritten thank-you notes from staff to guests.
• Employee authority to reject subpar food or beverage.
• Dish room kept orderly and uncluttered.
• No one passes a table with an empty dish without clearing it.

Communicate your standards and involve your people by asking for suggestions on how to accomplish them. But do not overwhelm. Take on no more than one or two at a time. Explain why (they must know the “why”) and show how the new standards support your mission, and you are on your way to creating a new culture, a better restaurant, and a more stimulating and rewarding place for your employees to work. If done right, most employees (at least the ones you want to keep) will respond positively to leadership that provides direction, focus, and purpose in what they do.

Source: RestaurantOwner.com