Loss prevention, security and safety in the restaurant industry is becoming more and more complex and multi-layered. The safety and security risks to the business is always evolving influenced by several variables. Adversaries can be internal and external, physically present or “connected” remotely causing havoc through the Internet. They can be determined individuals or pawns for an organized criminal network; they can target small establishments or go “big.” Let’s face it, the risks are many and we can be targeted from any angle.
Being effective in the loss prevention, safety, and security industry today requires the knowledge, skills, innovation, and collaboration of many employees. The successful leaders who emerge in this ever-changing landscape must be focused, flexible and driven with a purpose. They must plan and act strategically, and that means building an incredibly strong team. Leaders can gain an advantage if they learn how to leverage the talent of their people to achieve the highest possible level of individual and team success.
Where to start?
To build a strong team, leaders must start with themselves by having a firm foundation of unshakable personal beliefs, morals, and values they can carry into the workplace. Role modeling behaviors that stem from this foundation will naturally allow leaders to effectively lead others through influence. Leaders must also set the expectation for the highest level of ethical behavior from their team members.
Leaders should also lead by being at the forefront of the industry learning curve. When we examine those in the industry who are widely recognized as being the most effective leaders, we find similar traits.
Effective leaders:
- Get familiar with the latest technology.
- Stay current on business trends.
- Invest in professional development for themselves and their teams.
- Communicate effectively and candidly.
- Build and leverage talent among their team(s).
- Build positive, sustainable relationships with other leaders within the company.
- Lead change and value innovation.
- Plan and act strategically.
- Execute for results by assigning measurements to key priorities.
Let’s talk about results
To get results and influence others, leaders must have credibility. Credibility can also be called “trustworthiness” or “believability.” Whatever word you choose, it’s a hard-won trait and must be earned. Leaders might look toward metrics, scorecards, and other evaluative information on which to base their decisions and recommendations for action. They must work hard to establish relationships with team members as mentors, educators, innovators, or supporters to show their sincerity and willingness to collaborate. Credibility can only be established by delivering value consistently over time. To accomplish this, building and maintaining positive relationships is paramount.
It’s all about teamwork
Leaders are not “islands” – they must make sure their loss prevention, safety, and security teams understand the value of collaboration to achieve team objectives. Leaders present or future must manage up, down, and across all levels of the organization. They need to be able to connect with store operations, staff, crew, and with the customer to communicate their ideas and expectations effectively and candidly. Leadership skills can be learned, but you have to take the first step.
In closing, achieving the pinnacle of leadership is within the reach of all who aspire to such achievement. With this in mind, we would all do well to remember a famous quote by someone considered by many to be one of the greatest leaders in sports history:
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal which is worthwhile.” – Vince Lombardi