Mindset Matters: Building Resilience and Success in the Cafe Industry. With Kelly Maniatis

Bean There, Done That!

Today, we speak with Kelly Maniatis, organisational psychologist who has been working with cafe owners for many years. In this episode, we will delve into the importance of developing a resilient mindset in overcoming the challenges faced by cafe owners, such as increased expenses, staff shortages, and long hours. We will also discuss strategies for retaining and attracting staff, staying relevant in a changing consumer mindset, and the role of emotions and ego in the cafe industry. So let's dive in and explore the mindset matters and how to become mentally stronger in the cafe industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Developing a resilient mindset is crucial for cafe owners facing multiple challenges.
• A growth mindset allows for open thinking and problem-solving, while a closed mindset limits possibilities.
• Negative thinking can impact the body and lead to physical health issues.
• Cafe owners should focus on productivity and effectiveness rather than trying to maximise time.
• Retaining key staff members is more cost-effective than constantly recruiting and training new employees.
• Building strong relationships with employees and customers is essential for success in the cafe industry.
• Staying relevant requires understanding the changing mindset of consumers and constantly evolving strategies.

Developing a Resilient Mindset

Kelly Maniatis emphasises the importance of developing a resilient mindset for cafe owners facing multiple crises simultaneously. She defines a resilient mindset as the ability to manage challenges without taking them personally, taking a step back, and approaching them with a positive and solution-oriented mindset. It is about bouncing back from setbacks and being open to learning and growth. Kelly highlights the impact of a closed mindset, which is fear-based and avoidant, on both the mind and body. She shares personal anecdotes about the physical toll that a closed mindset can have on cafe owners and emphasises the need to cultivate a growth mindset to handle challenges effectively.

The Difference Between Closed and Growth Mindset

Kelly explains the difference between a closed mindset and a growth mindset, drawing on the work of Carol Dweck. A closed mindset is characterised by a standstill, status quo mentality, while a growth mindset is open to learning and opportunities. She emphasises the importance of focusing on growth and looking for opportunities rather than fixating on problems. Kelly also highlights the impact of a closed mindset on the body, leading to negative physical symptoms such as heart problems and autoimmune issues. She encourages cafe owners to be aware of their thinking patterns and to dial down negative self-talk while focusing on positive steps forward.

Overcoming Mindset Traps

Cafe owners often fall into mindset traps, such as playing the victim or getting caught up in their own ego. Kelly advises cafe owners to be aware of these traps and offers tips for overcoming them. She suggests starting the day with positive intentions and being mindful of the thoughts and emotions that arise. By focusing on gratitude and problem-solving, cafe owners can shift their mindset and approach challenges with a more positive outlook. Kelly also emphasises the importance of separating the problem from the person, playing the issue rather than the individual. This shift in perspective can help cafe owners navigate challenges more effectively.

The Impact of Emotions and Ego

Kelly discusses the impact of emotions and ego on the cafe industry. While emotions can be contagious and create emotional engagement with customers and employees, they can also be fear-based and detrimental to the mind and body. She highlights the need to regulate emotions and avoid getting caught up in ego-driven thinking. Kelly encourages cafe owners to focus on emotional engagement with customers and employees, building trust and connection. She also emphasises the importance of self-awareness and labelling emotions to calm the body's stress response.

The Challenge of Staff Shortages

Staff shortages have been a significant challenge for cafe owners, and Kelly provides insights into strategies for retention and attraction. She emphasises the importance of retaining existing staff, as the cost of turnover can be two to three times a person's salary. Kelly advises cafe owners to focus on engagement, lifestyle, and career pathways to retain key employees. She also highlights the need to differentiate between regrettable and non-regrettable losses, moving on from non-performing employees while investing in the development and support of valuable team members. Kelly encourages cafe owners to create a positive and engaging work environment to attract and retain staff.

Staying Relevant in a Changing Consumer Mindset

To stay relevant in a changing consumer mindset, cafe owners need to be customer-focused and constantly adapt. Kelly suggests asking customers for feedback and insights to understand their needs and preferences. She encourages cafe owners to think like customers and consider what they would want from a cafe experience. By staying connected with customers and being open to feedback, cafe owners can evolve their strategies and offerings to meet changing demands. Kelly also emphasises the importance of community and connection, both within the cafe industry and with customers, to stay relevant and engaged.

The Power of Innovation and Evolution

Kelly reframes the concept of innovation as staying relevant and evolving to meet customer needs. She advises cafe owners to focus on the purpose of innovation, which is to solve problems and improve the customer experience. By asking questions and seeking feedback, cafe owners can identify areas for improvement and innovation. Kelly encourages cafe owners to think beyond products and consider the overall customer experience, as well as the lifestyle and values of their target audience. She emphasises the importance of staying connected with the world around them and constantly seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.

Mindset Exercises and Practices

Kelly suggests several mindset exercises and practices for cafe owners to become mentally stronger. She recommends self-assessment tools to understand strengths, development areas, and thinking styles. Kelly also highlights the benefits of meditation, gratitude, and labelling emotions to calm the mind and body. She encourages cafe owners to engage in conversations and build relationships with others in the industry to share experiences and gain insights. Kelly emphasises the importance of taking time away from the cafe to gain perspective and connect with others.

In conclusion, developing a resilient mindset is crucial for cafe owners to overcome challenges and thrive in the industry. By cultivating a growth mindset, focusing on emotional engagement, and staying connected with customers and the industry, cafe owners can become mentally stronger and adapt to changing demands. Retaining and attracting staff, staying relevant, and embracing innovation are key strategies for success. By implementing mindset exercises and practices, cafe owners can enhance their self-awareness and build a strong foundation for growth. The cafe industry is ever-evolving, and with the right mindset, cafe owners can navigate challenges and accelerate their potential for success.

About The Guest:
Kelly Maniatis is an organisational psychologist with extensive experience working with leaders in va...