Coach Hughes interviews TJ Schier, discussing leadership, employee recognition, and the evolution of workplace culture over two decades.

Highlights

• 🎙️ Coach Hughes welcomes TJ Schier, reminiscing about their 22-year friendship.
• 📚 Schier’s book “Send Flowers to the Living” emphasizes recognizing employees while they are still with the company.
• 🤝 Leadership involves creating a supportive culture and valuing employees’ contributions.
• 🌱 The importance of continuous learning and adapting in leadership roles is highlighted.
• 🏆 Recognition vs. appreciation: understanding the emotional impact on employees is crucial.
• 🏢 The restaurant industry must better communicate career paths to attract talent.
• 🔄 Personal growth comes from experiences, both successes and failures, in business.

Key Insights

• 🎯 Recognition vs. Appreciation: Recognizing employees with awards or bonuses is different from making them feel valued emotionally. Leaders need to balance both to foster loyalty.
• 🤔 Culture Matters: A strong workplace culture is essential for retaining employees and improving performance. Leaders must actively shape this culture rather than just focusing on incentives.
• 📈 Career Paths in Hospitality: The hospitality industry often fails to illustrate clear career advancement opportunities, leading to high turnover. Providing visible career paths can enhance recruitment and retention.
• 🧠 Learning from Experience: Personal and professional growth comes from experiences, including mistakes. Leaders should embrace their journeys as invaluable learning opportunities.
• 🔄 Listening as a Leader: Great leaders prioritize listening over speaking in meetings, allowing diverse opinions to shape decisions. This builds trust and promotes collaboration.
• 🌍 Generational Work Ethic: Today’s younger workforce is often misunderstood regarding their work ethic. Leaders should recognize their potential and value contributions to the company.
• 🔍 Consulting Value: Consultants can offer essential shortcuts and insights, helping companies avoid pitfalls and accelerate growth. Their experience can guide leaders in making informed decisions.