Almost one year ago, I lost the only protege I’ve ever had in nearly 14 years in the pizza business. He had been with me almost 5 years, was 26 years old, and knew (or so I believed at the time) as much as I did. He faithfully operated my main location while I wasted time and money trying to bring a 2nd location online for his eventual investment. Having relocated the 2nd location after 3 years, I had the “new” location up and running and profitable. Within 4 months of turning it over (still no investment on his part), he lost interest and eventually, after a mild confrontation over his neglect (something which I would never have dreamed of before), he considered, gave notice, and walked away.
He was very loyal and highly paid.
I have been running myself ragged keeping two stores up using essentially an assistant in each store (both 19 years old), until the franchise program is finished and I can sell the new location (hopefully within a month or two).
What have I learned?
- The only indispensable person in my operation is me.
- Any manager, unless he/she has investment , is just 2 weeks away (or less) from leaving.
- I will NEVER be in a position ever again, if at all possible, where I do not have the leverage of termination at my disposal. (Sounds cold, but I must be able and available to do their job if and when it becomes necessary.)
- There are limits to how much any employee should earn (and a manager is ultimately just another employee)
- Always keep a farm team available and keep a sharp eye out for potential replacements.
All that being said, we must be willing to love and trust (but verify) again as there are always great people out there looking for opportunities to excel. Bottom line is that all managers in our line of work are seldom going to last more than 1-2 years IMHO before they move on to something else.
I feel and have felt your pain. Look within your organization first. I’m always amazed at how people step up once the leader vacates. Changes the dynamics completely.