Mixing Family and Business: How We Set and Smash Goals Across Multiple Ventures
Setting Goals: Our Roadmap to Success
Let’s be real—setting clear, achievable goals is like drawing a treasure map for your business. During our latest podcast episode, Kim, who oversees our Dairy Queen divisions, walked us through our goal-setting process. We have these quarterly “sprints” where Kim, our GM Marie, and I sit down and hash out what we want to achieve over the next 90 days.
Each Dairy Queen store has its own flavor of challenges. For instance, one store might absolutely nail food costs but struggle with labor efficiency. The store managers have to step out of their daily grind and figure out what needs attention. They then set specific goals based on their unique situations. It's a bit like steering a ship where the destination remains the same, but the course might need constant tweaking based on the tides and winds.
Communicating Goals: Getting Everyone on the Same Page
One of the biggest challenges is making sure everyone gets the memo—literally and figuratively. Effective communication is crucial. Ideally, we discuss these goals during our bi-weekly managers' meetings. Then it's up to each manager to convey these objectives to their supervisory and assistant management teams, who then pass it down to the rest of the crew.
We use all sorts of communication methods—from formal meetings and written memos to casual huddles. The goal is to make sure everyone knows what they’re working towards and why. Because let’s face it, a goal without clear communication is just a nice idea floating in the air.
Teamwork: Making the Dream Work
Tom shared some cool insights on how our team at the Metropolis Resort pulls together, especially during busy times like the holidays. Teamwork and great communication are at the heart of our success. For instance, pulling off our New Year's Eve noon party was a massive team effort, involving everyone from marketing to housekeeping to food and beverage.
When different departments come together to achieve a common goal, the results can be nothing short of magical. This kind of synergy not only gets the job done but also builds a strong culture of mutual support and collaboration.
Training and Buy-In: The Secret Ingredients
Kim made a fantastic point about the importance of getting buy-in from the team. Without it, you might as well be chasing your tail. When team members have a say in setting goals, their commitment goes through the roof.
Training is another key factor. When setting a goal, it’s crucial to clearly define what success looks like and ensure everyone knows how to achieve it. For example, at Dairy Queen, we’ve spent loads of time figuring out what a “perfect shift” looks like. Knowing the standards and having the right training to meet them? That’s what creates a winning team.
Flexibility: Rolling with the Punches
Business is like a rollercoaster—full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We need to be flexible with our goals to stay on track. Throughout the podcast, we highlighted that our processes are designed to be adaptable. We continually reassess and realign our goals based on new info and feedback, ensuring we stay relevant and competitive.
This flexibility is a mindset shared across the organization, from upper management to the newest crew member. When everyone is on board and flexible, handling changes and challenges becomes a team effort rather than a solo mission.
Wrapping It Up
Running multiple businesses while keeping everything harmonious is no small feat. This latest podcast episode underscored how setting, communicating, and achieving goals is a team effort that involves everyone in the organization. By fostering an environment where everyone understands and buys into the goals, we create a pathway to sustained success.
Thanks for tuning in to the blog! Remember, your thoughts and insights make our discussions richer, so don’t hesitate to share what’s on your mind. Email me at [email protected] and make sure to listen to the full episode here!
Till next time!
