In reality, a system that is not policed is not a working system. While you may not like the verbage, that is exactly what it is. A system must be managed. People not following the system must be coached. Failure to create accountability most often results in the complete failure of the endeavor, which is the norm in the restaurant world.

I don’t dispute the importance of respecting employees, and taking care of your employees. However, without a system of accountability, most restaurants end up without the resources to care for their employees.

“Ownership” is not something you can give to someone who doesn’t have a stake in your business. There is only one owner, and no matter how much you care for your employees, they can never understand ownership until they are owners. The best you can hope for, with some good coaching, is empathy.

Employees who work within a system where expectations are clearly stated, attainable goals are given, measured and rewarded when reached, and where they are held accountable for poor performance, are much happier employees. The same system also allows for more prosperity that can then be shared with all those that helped create it.