Learning By Doing

I have come to realise that my learning style consists of "doing" the thing that I want to learn.  A good example is in the last 3 weeks.  As we have been short on managers, I have had to get involved on a day to day basis for running the floor.  I hadn't done that for a long time, and whilst there was a touch of "why should I be the one doing it?", I have to admit that I have learnt a lot more about operations, and am a lot more confident in the process involved in planning a shift.

This may be the reason that I have not had much luck understanding the kitchen.  I watch the kitchen a lot, but it still seems to remain a mystery to me.  And without going into the kitchen, I will continue to lack the confidence in improving the systems, because I am not sure if what I am doing is the right thing.

It will be good to get to go into the kitchen, hopefully in a month's time.  We are still short of managers, and our current managers need time to adapt to the Morganfield's way.  Some of our existing managers also need to be able to handle more items at the same time and see the bigger picture.

I was told that one of my key strengths is the willingness to get involved.  Complimenting that with an ability to quickly learn and improve on any area may end up being my biggest contribution to any business.  The key then is to always be willing to jump in.  However, the other key thing is NOT to get stuck in one area.  Always be willing to move to something else.

Balance

Whilst this year will be dominated by the opening of outlet number 2, a large theme going through my own head is re-finding that sense of balance.  I once read that an article saying that for entrepreneurs, "balance is an art", and that is true.  

There are a couple of balancing components:  work life vs personal life, brain work vs physical work, roles and responsibilities across partners.

1. Work vs personal

I cannot get away from my own sense of guilt that I should be doing more for the business but a part of me is beginning to realise "hey, I can walk a bit away from this and it will still be ok".  

I want to get back into volleyball, I want to learn some new dancing skills, I (should) learn Mandarin.  These are pursuits that take time and commitment, and I want to do it.  Unfortunately I am suffering from procrastination and that vague guilt that I should be working on the business instead.  

2. Brain vs physical

2013 was spent predominantly at the restaurant.  Towards Dec 2013 and now, I am there at most 3-4 days a week.  Perhaps it's the change of role, but I feel less inclination to go.  The new responsibilities I have feels like it needs a lot of thinking time to get the right solution.  Again, a slight vague guilt that I should be at the outlet, and continuing to watch and learn.  One thing that is on the cards is a long stint inside the kitchen to really get a feel for how the process works.  I realise that my "learning from watching" abilities is very poor.  I need to do it in order to improve on it.  So physical may be back, especially with our current people issues!

3. Roles and responsibilities

I definitely perceived 2013 as unbalanced in terms of "effort" on the business.  Granted, though, effort did not equal to results.  Now, with the org change, the balance feels better.  Having let go of the MD role, I understand better my deficiency in properly delegating tasks.  I also feel that the corporate structure made the chairman role too far removed from a small business like ours. I think my partner has a realisation that I will always be there to support the business, doing whatever it takes.  I personally am more conscious of it.  Is it a bad thing?  Maybe not.  I may accept that this is me, as long as we can both contribute to our business success.  But I need to be aware and be willing to speak up when that balance is totally comprimised.  Like a normal relationship!