Views and Kindness

Throughout my life I have read various books about the best ways to work with people and employees; management styles and even corporation-type biographies. I've learned a lot and have had ample opportunity to test the methods I've read and studied about. Some styles work for me, others don't. One factor, however, remains paramount as far as I am concerned and that factor is kindness. I'm a firm believer that troubling times and hardships can be won with a good attitude and a kind spirit.

Recently, my attention has been drawn to the words of a local business owner and how those words relate to real life.  I've known Amy Igloi, owner of Amy's On The Bay for about 7 or 8 years. We aren't close friends but then we probably would be if we spent time together outside of the social requirements for work. I remember when Amy first moved to town and when her restaurant opened. She's been a great asset to the Port Orchard Community and to the various Boards and Committees she has spent her time on.  Amy's management style is a rare jewel in the business world. She not only relies on her employees to do their given jobs, but she also relies on them to take part in business decisions she presents to them during staff meetings. Of course, as owner, she has the final say- but in most situations she chooses her staff as her 'boardroom' allies if you will. Changes to procedure are discussed and everyone's views are taken into account. Yes, I know what you're thinking- and you are right - this form of management style won't work for everyone. Another aspect of this I have yet to mention is that Amy also often thanks her employees for choosing to work for her. She respects and values their time and expresses the honor it is that they have made the choice to work under her employ. In fact, you may be hard pressed to find something Amy has said or had written about her that doesn't include kudos for those who work with her.

I had not been to Amy's On The Bay in sometime and last weekend some friends and I decided to give it a go even though we could see the restaurant was packed. Tables full of people, the clinging of dishes in the busy Friday night atmosphere, I observed something wonderful. Something I've often seen disappear in a busy restaurant atmosphere. Teamwork.
Like the cogs of a well oiled wheel, I watched the staff members work together to serve the restaurant guests. Waitstaff assisting each other in another 'section' was a common site. I was a waitress in my twenties and wish I could have had the experience of teamwork of this magnitude.

Kudos to you Amy Igloi. Keep up the wonderful work. Not only are you running a successful business, you are sharing your success with your employees. When everyone wins, no one loses.
Good Job!