5. Invest in people with good intentions
In this tight labor market, finding experienced team leaders and store managers is increasingly competitive. Lee uses her innate talent and past restaurant management experience as an “emotion detector” to tap people who may not have the leadership skills but do have supportive personalities. Being a “people person” is the most important trait of a leader, Lee believes. As a self-proclaimed “people person,” Lee works side by side with new hires to develop that trait and teach them hospitality by example. “Instead of looking for a lot of experience, I look for people with good intentions and invest in them, ” she says.