Better Business: How to Build Strong and Efficient Teams

Better Business is a series of online courses by leading industry professionals sharing their insights, their experience and their tips on how to do better business in the restaurant industry. It's based on the Better Business Survey by Fine Dining Lovers, where respondents were asked to identify the gaps in their knowledge and skillsets, and what they want to learn about in order to do business better.

This video features Lee Richardson, sports psychologist with Aim-For, renowned for working with Liverpool F.C., teaching us how to build strong and effective teams.

Introducing the model of ‘The Five Cs’, Richardson explains that when these concepts work together they create a spiral of positivity – 'co-effectiveness', 'cohesion', 'contribution', 'culture' and 'commitment to the cause'.

'Co-effectiveness' is broken down into sell-efficacy (or belief in oneself), co-effective efficacy (belief between the leader and the team, or the belief in the brand of business identity), and collective efficacy (belief in each other).

'Cohesion' is divided into three parts – the connections that people have socially, the connection on the task (very important), and the collective team ethos or values.

One important element to drive 'culture' is a mastery focus, says Richardson, which means constantly striving for self-improvement and reflection, not perfection. Fairness also contributes to culture, that all team members are treated equally, and forthrightness, which means honest and tactful assessment.

'Contribution' is defined by the fact that we all want to belong and identify with others, and worthwhile and rewarding pursuits. The culture should make people feel like they are contributing.

A 'commitment to the cause' should be present if all four of the above elements are present – a shared purpose and shared success.

Take this invaluable advice for creating happy and effective teams, apply them to your restaurant and see the changes.