Unlock Success: Study Guide for Personal Growth

Growth is rarely linear, predictable, or comfortable. It often hides in the struggles/challenges we face each day. These opportunities, are waiting for us to lean in, reflect, and take action. This little guide will help you recognize, reframe, and act on some growth opportunities through a few relatable examples and actionable steps.

While the examples lean toward hospitality and restaurant settings, the principles apply to any leadership role.

Whether you’re leading a team in a dining room, an office, or a classroom, the climb to success starts with a single step.

Recognize Growth Opportunities

Concept: Growth often comes disguised as challenges or discomfort. They aren’t always glamorous or obvious.

Reframe:

• Growth is earned, not handed out. “Want the View? Do the Climb.”

• Opportunities thrive in discomfort. Success requires you to trust the process and lean into the challenge.

Relatable Example: When the restaurant is understaffed, and call-offs happen, the team gets slammed. Jumping into the fire with tact and skill won’t always be glamorous. But it builds personal resilience, strengthens teamwork, and enhances your leadership credibility.

Study Prompt: Reflect on a recent workplace challenge:

• How has it prepared me to enrich the experience for our Associates & Guests in the future?

Embrace the Messiness

Concept: Growth often feels messy and uncertain. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Reframe:

• Growth is a climb, not a smooth ride. “1,2,3 Don’t Suck.” Start small, be consistent, and improve over time.

• Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re milestones that show you’re moving forward.

Relatable Example: Imagine rolling out a new menu item. Or trying to get your dish on a menu… The first concepts are rejected. Even several tweaks and weeks later, they still bring critique. Not to mention, there are ongoing cost and execution issues you battle… But, every, single, tiny, ongoing adjustment brings you closer to a better plate.

Study Prompt: Write about one “failure” this week at work:

• What did I learn, and how can this experience allow for Associates (& Guests) to thrive?

Take Ownership—Stop Waiting for Permission

Concept: Growth doesn’t require permission. Take initiative and act boldly.

Reframe:

• Growth belongs to those who act. “Do it now.”

• Permission isn’t necessary to be great. Be genuine, take initiative, and deliver +1.

Relatable Example: Think about a time when you saw a problem—like a guest issue at the table—and an Associate fixed it without waiting for a manager’s approval. That initiative turns challenges into loyalty and impacts the Associate’s growth.

Study Prompt: Identify where you’ve been hesitant at work due to fear or doubt:

• What’s one action I’ve been postponing? Today, I commit to __________.

Build Relationships That Drive Growth

Concept: Strong relationships amplify growth by offering encouragement and constructive feedback.

Reframe:

• Great leaders invest in their people. “Heard. Valued. Supported.”

• Build a network of accountability—among Associates & Guests—who inspire growth and challenge complacency.

Relatable Example: A manager who regularly connects with Associates, checking in on their well-being and providing tips to improve sales, task completion, hospitality, etc., enriches both morale and performance.

Study Prompt: Write down three mentees or mentors who inspire you to grow:

• How can I show gratitude and strengthen these relationships this week?

Define Goals Clearly

Concept: Clearly defined goals and values are essential for progress.

Reframe:

• Vague goals lead to vague results. “Mindset. Grit. Integrity.” Define your intentions and execute relentlessly.

• Feelings are fleeting; action drives success. “Fuck your feelings. Follow the plan.”

Relatable Example: Vague instructions at a pit-stop or team brief like “Let’s have a good shift” can be ineffective. Clearer goals create better outcomes. For example, “Today we’re focused on : Each table should be greeted within 90 seconds.” -Perhaps this clarity will help enrich associate buy in, and a better guest experience.

Study Prompt: Define one specific growth goal for work:

• What’s my first step to achieving _______? Write it down and start today.

Actionable Takeaways for Your Leadership Team

1. Challenge = Opportunity: Reframe challenges as essential for growth. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

2. Focus on Progress: Growth isn’t always glamorous, but every step is worth it.

3. Encourage Initiative: Empower Associates to take ownership and act without hesitation to enrich (guest) experiences.

4. Enrich Relationships: Provide encouragement and constructive accountability among Associates Leaders in your business.

5. Define Success Clearly: Help your team set specific goals and establish habits that drive consistent growth.

Growth is a journey, not a destination. Start now, and act as though there’s no finish line—just the next step forward. Do Right. Be Great.