In a marketplace that has changed dramatically in the past few years, business owners have had to adapt to their management styles to keep employees from finding warmer waters.
As expected, the Pandemic era has brought a significant shift in the restaurant industry. Many owners either closed their doors and at the same time many excited newcomers grabbed the opportunity to debut new concepts.
With a goal of understanding the dynamics of what is driving today’s restaurant and hospitality marketplace, industry icon Robert Irvine has authored a new book: “Overcoming Impossible.” The renowned celebrity chef, entrepreneur, author, and TV personality outlines an emphasis on “strong soft skills.”
Irvine defines those skills as a mix of a certain level of patience and emotional intelligence. In addition, he points to empathetic leadership and understanding the people that work for you in both front of the house and culinary positions.
In each case Irvine continues to make sure that he embodies these principles in all his current business endeavors.
Largely known for his role as the host of Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” Irvine has been instrumental in guiding numerous struggling restaurant owners away from the edge of failure, setting them on a trajectory toward enduring success.
With a thriving entrepreneurial career, Irvine has built a diverse portfolio of companies valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
When asked what helps a business thrive in our current economy, Irvine discussed the importance of being a good team leader as well as a member when it comes to the restaurant industry.
“Chefs all have egos, but the minute you leave the kitchen, it’s about how you can work alongside, listen carefully and adjust your thinking to the person that you’re dealing with,” Irvine explained.
Putting your pride aside to help your business become more successful is an important part of staying ahead in the industry.
Being able to work alongside others and having empathy for their needs is important to keeping employees happy and keeping a well-rounded company running.
A key tenet of the Irvine approach is understanding each individual team member’s background as well as their strengths makes your business stronger in the long term.
In his new book, Irvine explained, “The first pillar is empathetic leadership, understanding who and what is going on regarding the people that work for you.
Knowing your team members and knowing how far to push them is important, as you learn about each member’s strengths and weaknesses through this.
This can help empower your employees while allowing them to grow in a pleasant working environment.”
Overcoming Impossible also outlines the potential pitfalls of entrepreneurship. “Letting your work prove your worth is worth a thousand words,” Irvine said. “It’s important for every restaurateur to work hard to prove themselves as leaders in the industry. The hospitality industry is all about rising through the ranks, understanding the restaurant/food business, while also understanding there will be failure along the way.”
The talented toque also used the new book to bring perspective to how today’s leaders look at themselves. “It’s important to realize you are not the biggest fish in the pond you’re in.
There is always someone bigger, smarter, younger than you,” Irvine continued. “The best approach around this egotistical thinking is to always be learning. I’ve learned more in the past ten years than I would have in university, simply by listening.
When listening to other perspectives, you have the ability to grow and expand your ideas.
What is also important when listening to other perspectives, is to surround yourself with people you know are equipped to work and execute your vision.
“Having a strong team you can trust is the foundation of a prosperous business. Having this element in your business not only contributes to the seamless operation of the enterprise but also fosters an environment where collaboration, reliability, and mutual support flourish.
Assembling a team with unwavering trust forms the bedrock upon which the entire business structure can expand and prosper,” Irvine concluded.
When discussing his multiple business endeavors as well as his new book, “Overcoming Impossible,” Irvine puts emphasis on experiencing all of the pitfalls and triumphs during the start of your new business.
It’s all a part of the process of becoming a large fish in the big pond.
As a restaurant owner or manager, investing in Robert Irvine’s new book offers valuable insights and perspectives on the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024.
With his expertise in the culinary industry and proven track record of success, Irvine provides you with a roadmap to success but also serve as a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
