Pizza Today -April2023 - 16

BUILDING BLOCKS N I C K B OG A C Z
tasks of mopping the fl oor to the stuff
we take for granted, such as stretching
dough. All the way to more complicated
matters, like how to read a profi t-andloss
statement, these are things we want
to teach and not train. Systems and howto
manuals are there to train our employees
how to navigate certain operations
in the pizzeria. Teaching is an art, where
we inspire our employees to care and to
perfect the task they are assigned.
Timing is so important in life, as it
is when teaching. Teaching in a very
hectic situation like during dinner at a
busy restaurant is probably not ideal, so
set yourself up for success when you are
ready to teach your employees. Having a
dedicated time when you don't have to
tend to the oven, answer the phone or
perform other various tasks will be best.
It is important to teach because
The Value of Teaching - Rather
Than Training - Your Employees
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior
teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
- William Arthur Ward
P
izzeria owners are rarely
only owners. Instead, we don
many hats and understanding
every role in the shop. In fact, I know
one clever owner who wears a shirt
that says " Maintenance Man " on the
back.
Even if we're not masters in every
facet of our business, we're masters
of learning. But along with being
students, we're teachers.
We can all think back to our years
of school and remember our favorite
teachers. But what made them so
memorable? Th ey probably made you
feel special, like you were the only
kid in the classroom. Th ey did that
through the passion that they felt for
teaching and for their role in helping
young minds discover the world. Th at
passion shines through and refl ects
onto the one being taught. Let your
employees feel the passion you have
for pizza and the business - that
enthusiasm is contagious.
Th ere are many things we must
teach in our business, from the simple
employees want to work at places where
they feel like they are part of something
special. Most pizzeria owners know they
can leave a job and go just about anywhere
for a shiny nickel. Th at's why there
needs to be a bond with your employees,
one strong enough where they want to
work for you, they want to do a good job,
and they want to learn.
Th rough teaching, showing our passion
and guiding with patience, they
will experience just that. And not do we
just want to teach them, but we want
to empower them to become teachers,
too. When a new employee gets hired,
your team will take on the job of being
the teacher, showing their passion and
inspiring a new crop of employees and
team members.
Th at's when you can start to recognize
the ones on your team who have
become leaders and teachers. In our next
installment, we will break down just that
- how to evaluate and identify who you
should promote.
NICK BOGACZ is the founder and president of Caliente Pizza & Draft House in Pittsburgh. Instagram: @caliente_pizza
16 / PIZZATODAY.COM / APRIL 2023

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Pizza Today -April2023

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