How to Train Your Staff

Train an employee how to do just about anything! From operating a cash register to selling a car. Follow the "tell, show, do, review, do again/follow-up" method. There are many different learning styles that people have, and this method trains to them all.

Things You'll Need

• A trainee.
• Training materials (if available).
• Devoted time.
• Your own experience.

Instructions

1. Tell. Explain to your employee what it is the he/she needs to do. This is your time to clearly state the expectation for future behavior. Speak slowly and clearly. Repeat the essential points that need to be understood and why they are important. An important note though, keep yourself from talking down to the employee and allow open dialogue. Train from your own experience and if you have background info or a story to tell about what you're teaching now is the time. People remember stories better than bullet points.

2. Show. Demonstrate to the employee EXACTLY how you want the job to be done and go into details about why you want it done that way. If you are cutting a tomato, train them how to cut it to the exact size you want it to be, and explain why it needs to be that size (taste, appearance, etc.).

3. Do. Allow the employee to do the task on their own, but guide them through the process. If you see them struggling with a certain technique or mechanic of the process use these training steps to hone that technique.

4. Review. Go over with them everything that they have learned. If they are still clueless go back to step two (and review your own training technique!). Ask them questions to ensure retention and answer any questions they may have. Have the trainee "teach" the task to you to check for complete understanding.

5. Do again/Follow-up. This is the ongoing training that continues until they have mastered the task. Be constructive and use your own knowledge/experience when offering feedback. Most importantly, keep your cool if the trainee doesn't pick up on the task as fast as you would have liked.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient.

• Be present (devote the time to the trainee).

• Be clear (explain EXACTLY what you want so there isn't confusion later on).

• Again, be patient, not everyone learns at the same pace. It is very easy to scare away your next great employee if you cannot find the time to do this right. First impressions last a lifetime and this is your time to mold your staff into everything you want them to be!

Resources

• Restaurant Management 101 Blog