Teamwork : is a joint action by two or more people, in which each person contributes with different skills and express his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group in order to achieve common goals.
Teamwork is a corporate buzz word. Corporations go to great lengths to build a cohesive team. They shuffle employees off to rigorous boot camps, where problem solving techniques are instilled within the team members through a combination of sweat, anguish, and physical testing.
Mercy has less than 25 employees. When we want to test out a teambuilding exercise, we do it the easy way. We send both the General Manager (Vincent) and the Kitchen Manager, (Juan) on vacation at the same time ! Vincent is off to Las Vegas on a mini-honeymoon and Juan for a much needed visitation with his family.
When guests compliment me on the quality of their "Mercy experience", I nod my head in deep appreciation of the compliment. But I am quick to point out to them. "We have a great staff at Mercy !" Our employees know their job, they have a passion for what they do, they enjoy each other's company and when a member of the staff "is in the weeds", they quickly step up to help. It makes my life as a manager so much easier ! So, thanks to all of the servers : Jody, Juan, Michael, M.J., and Nathan.
Lead from example. Here is another buzz phrase. Floor Manager Liz and Bar Manager Craig step up to lend a hand whenever Vincent is "on assignment" or similarly detained. Teamwork in action, as management, steps up to support the staff and Mercy continues to roll forward with no bumps in the road.
Similarly in the Kitchen: Ismael, Welington, Martin, and Esdras add additional hours to their already grueling schedules and report for work earlier to assist in preparation duties, vendor ordering, cheese slicing, vegetable chopping and the like.
Our Host staff of Amber, Nancy and Regan tend to greeting and seating of our guests which allows me the freedom to roam from location to location.
My demeanor, at times, hides how I feel however now is a good time to public acknowledge each and everyone one of Mercy's employees. Thank you, thank you, and thank you !
Mercy has a great staff and I appreciate the job that you all do.
Mike Castagne
(acting General) Manager
