03/11/2023
10 lessons from Danny Meyer's book Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business:
1. Hospitality is the foundation of business. Meyer argues that hospitality is not just about making people feel comfortable and welcome. It is also about creating a sense of community and belonging. When people feel good about being in your business, they are more likely to be loyal customers and employees.
2. Hire for hospitality. When hiring new employees, Meyer looks for people who are genuinely interested in serving others. He believes that hospitality is a skill that can be taught, but it is important to start with people who have a natural aptitude for it.
3. Invest in your employees. Meyer believes that happy employees lead to happy customers. He invests in his employees by providing them with training, support, and benefits. He also creates a culture of appreciation and recognition.
4. Empower your employees. Meyer gives his employees the autonomy to make decisions and to solve problems on their own. He believes that this empowers his employees to provide better service to customers.
5. Create a culture of continuous improvement. Meyer is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience. He encourages his employees to do the same.
6. Pay attention to the details. Meyer believes that the little things matter. He pays attention to every detail, from the cleanliness of the restaurant to the way his employees greet customers.
7. Surprise and delight your customers. Meyer goes out of his way to surprise and delight his customers. He offers them unexpected extras, such as free appetizers or desserts. He also makes a point of getting to know his customers and their needs.
8. Be generous. Meyer is generous with his time, his money, and his resources. He supports charities and other organizations that are important to him. He also gives back to his employees and to the communities in which his restaurants operate.
9. Be authentic. Meyer is hims