13d • Employees
Stop Being a "Broken Record" – Build a Professional Staff Handbook in 10 Minutes
We’ve all been there. You hire a new waiter or prep cook, and for the third time this week, you’re explaining exactly how the tables should be wiped or how the signature ribs should be plated.
You feel like a broken record. And the moment you aren't looking, the standards slip.
The problem isn't your staff; it's your Systems. Most independent restaurants carry their "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs) inside the owner’s head. If it’s not on paper, it doesn't exist. But who has time to sit down and write a 50-page manual?
You don’t. But AI does.
The "Brain Dump" Method:
You don't need to be a writer. You just need to be able to talk. Here is how you use AI to create a professional training manual that ensures your "Netflix-level" standards are met every single shift.
Step 1: The Voice Note Take your phone and record a 2-minute voice note (or just type a messy bulleted list). Don't worry about grammar. Just say: "Okay, when a guest walks in, we greet them in 30 seconds. We always mention the daily special. Water goes on the table immediately. If they order a steak, we must ask about the doneness..."
Step 2: The "SOP Architect" Prompt Copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT or Gemini, then paste your "messy notes" underneath.
[PASTE THIS PROMPT]
Act as a Professional Operations Consultant for a high-end restaurant. I am going to give you a "brain dump" of my scattered notes regarding a specific staff procedure.
Your Task:
- Transform these notes into a professional, easy-to-read Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
- Use a "Step-by-Step" format.
- Add a "Pro-Tip" section for each step based on the context.
- Add a "Common Mistakes to Avoid" section at the end.
- Keep the tone hospitable, professional, and clear.
Here are my messy notes: [PASTE YOUR NOTES OR TRANSCRIPT HERE]
Why This Changes Everything
- Consistency: Every new hire gets the exact same instructions. No "he said, she said."
- Freedom: When a staff member asks "How do I do X?", you don't answer. You point to the manual. This is the first step to you actually being able to take a weekend off.
- Scalability: This is how the big chains do it. If you want to open a second location or handle a massive TV-fueled rush, you need these "Paper Managers" in place.
Your Challenge Today
Pick one thing that annoys you because it isn't done consistently (e.g., closing the till, cleaning the coffee machine, or the greeting). Record a 60-second note, run the prompt, and print it out.
Watch how the vibe in your kitchen or floor changes when the "Rules of the Game" are finally clear.
P.S. Writing manuals is just the beginning. In the Restaurant VIP Section, we have an entire Hiring & Training Pack with pre-written templates for job descriptions, interview questions, and onboarding checklists so you never have to start from scratch again.
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Stop Being a "Broken Record" – Build a Professional Staff Handbook in 10 Minutes
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