Front Row: Yolanda Johnson, Britten Petty, Jaboris
Blackwell
Middle Row: Tykeshia Brown, Anthony Courtney, Elysia
Perry, Sheila Patterson, Tiara Cornelius, Katie Smith
Back Row: Cody Poole, Mary Quinlin, A.J. Johnson,
Pam Pruitt, Malcolm Carter, Mike Rogerson
Ponder Enterprises, Inc. completed its second set of
Shift Leader classes on November 20, 2013. Shift Leaders must attend the
following classes:
Crew Today, Leader Tomorrow
Coaching
Person in Charge
Ponder Enterprises Financial Class
The
last class introduces the Shift Leaders to Ponder’s P&L to include
definitions of certain accounts, EBITDAR, and how to use IMS reports to track
down inventory loss. Once the loss is identified, develop a plan of action to
correct loss. The Shift Leader’s final exam is to review the P&L and IMS
reports to identify areas that their sample restaurant can improve their
contribution to Ponder’s bottom line.
In
a continual effort to refine the classes, new General Managers go through the
classes as students; not coaches. This gives the new G.M. an idea of what is
expected of their Shift Leaders and opens up opportunities to Coach new Shift
Leaders through difficult situations using material covered in the classes. In
this class, Malcolm Carter, the new G.M. of the Hardee’s of Quincy, and Pam
Pruitt, the new G.M. of the Hardee’s of Ozark participated in the classes.
Following
Ponder Enterprises’ tradition, all participants were treated to a steak dinner
cooked by Ernest Ponder, Vice-President of Operations for lunch of the final
class. After their final exam, there was a short graduation ceremony. This gave
Mike Rogerson, Director of Training, an opportunity to review how each
participant had grown in their abilities during the 5 months. Mike also
challenged these Shift Leaders to go back to their restaurants and use the
information given over the last 5 months. Use their fellow participants as a
resource when issues arise. To be the “Man in the Arena.” The District Managers
also gave advice to the Shift Leaders.
Shift
Leaders have only to complete their In-Restaurant Exercise given in the Person
in Charge class. Every Ponder’s Shift Leader is certified in shift control by
at least 2 upper management personnel. Between these classes, using the Shift
Leader Selection process, Shift Leader workbooks, and completing a
certification Ponder Enterprises is building its strongest management teams
ever.
A
special thank you goes to the District Managers and seasoned General Managers
who took time out to be coaches for the class. Of course, it is easy to get
coaches when Ernest cooks! Seriously, the input that coaches gave helped keep
the participants on track. All classes were made easier with their help.
Since
2012 when these classes began, Ponder Enterprises has had 89 Shift Leaders and
Restaurant Managers go through all four classes. Ponder Enterprises operates 24
Hardee’s restaurants in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Mike Rogerson
Director of Training and Special Projects
Director of Training and Special Projects
