Leadership Handbook · 2026
Leadership Guides
Me'a Ho'okipa · Hospitality from the Heart
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
INTRODUCTION
Leadership begins with example
True leadership is rooted in serving others. Service is the foundation of our standard. As a leader in Dining Services, it is our responsibility to exemplify excellence through consistency, discipline, and humility — even during the busiest and most demanding shifts.
- Arrive prepared — on time, in full uniform, ready to serve.
- Set the tone at the beginning of each shift through professionalism and positive energy.
- Follow all food safety and sanitation standards consistently — even during peak hours.
- Maintain composure under pressure, especially during rush periods.
- Communicate respectfully with team members, guests, and supervisors at all times.
- Step in to support operations when needed rather than leading from the sidelines.
- Take ownership of mistakes and focus on solutions instead of blame.
- Model consistency in attitude, urgency, and quality every day.
-
Arrive prepared — on time, in full uniform, ready to serve.
-
Set the tone at the beginning of each shift through professionalism and positive energy.
-
Follow all food safety and sanitation standards consistently — even during peak hours.
-
Maintain composure under pressure, especially during rush periods.
-
Communicate respectfully with team members, guests, and supervisors at all times.
-
Step in to support operations when needed rather than leading from the sidelines.
-
Take ownership of mistakes and focus on solutions instead of blame.
-
Model consistency in attitude, urgency, and quality every day.
CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Steps to Accountability
Success comes when individuals and teams choose to move above the line — seeing reality clearly, owning their role, solving problems, and taking action.
1
See It
What is the reality we most need to acknowledge?
2
Own It
How are we contributing to close the gap?
3
Solve It
What else can we do to close the gap?
4
Do It
Who is accountable to do what and by when?
Above the Line
People focus on results, solutions, and what they can control. They take ownership and drive change.
Below the Line
People blame others, make excuses, or avoid responsibility. This mindset stalls growth and hurts the team.
STANDARD PERFORMANCE
Dining Venues & Lead Roles
Standard Performance
Dining Venues & Lead Roles
GUEST INTERACTION
Create Aloha Moments
😊
Smile Always
Smile at guests even when they are just passing by. A genuine smile is the foundation of every Aloha Moment.
🤝
Greet & Offer
Say "Aloha" or ask "Is there anything I can help you with?" — leads set the example by interacting with guests first.
🌟
Train Your Team
Conduct mini trainings to practice guest interaction. Acknowledge worker efforts with focused recognition cards.
Why body language matters
Guests notice our actions, posture, and facial expressions even before we speak. Good body language creates a welcoming and professional environment.
✅ Do:
- ✓ Smile & Greet Warmly
- ✓ Maintain Eye Contact
- ✓ Stand Straight
- ✓ Stay Approachable
❌ Don't:
- ✗ No Crossed Arms
- ✗ No Eye Rolling
- ✗ No Slouching
"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." — John C. Maxwell
EMPLOYEE INTERACTION
Leading with Confidence
💬
Communication
Assignments
Communicate clearly what is expected. Send schedules on Saturday night or before the shift. Support workers who are unsure through training.
🤝
Kokua
Quick Check-In
A quick temp-check with the employee — not coaching or reprimanding. Simply asking: "How are you? How can I help you achieve your goals?"
🌺
Mālama
Team Huddle
Time for workers to gather with leads, discuss performance, brainstorm improvements, and address attendance or compliance matters.
Correction / Coaching — The Sandwich Method
🍞 TOP BUN
Start with something positive — what they are good at
🥩 THE MEAT
Inform them of areas to improve
🍞 BOTTOM BUN
End with something they are doing great
KITCHEN PRODUCTION
Standard Performance Roles
🍍
KSW Smoothie
Oversees pineapple cutting, punching, smoothie blending, and all preparation for guest service. Ensures proper ratios and first-in-first-out rotation.
🫧
Dishwasher
Manages the full dishwashing flow from scraping to shelving. Assigns stations, monitors machine operation, and ensures clean dishes return quickly to service areas.
☀️
Morning Custodian
Supervises cleaning across Main Kitchen, Gateway, Ohana, and Aloha. Oversees restrooms, oil disposal, plate delivery coordination, and brunch setup.
🌙
Night Custodian
Manages evening cleaning across all four areas. Ensures proper waste handling, sanitation standards, and approves clock-out only after all tasks are verified complete.
🚗
LS / Runner System
Coordinates food delivery schedules for cold units, hot units, bakery, and smoothies. Monitors food counts, temperatures, and ensures all venues receive correct items on time.
Smoothie Preparation — Standard Ratios
24 oz piña colada mix + 8 oz ice cream mix per blender jar
Smoothie Mix:
5×3 halved cores + 1 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon per pan
Roasted Pineapple:
3 full coolers + 1 half cooler
Transfer (Aloha):
DIGITAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Jolt Checklist
Jolt is the tool we use to manage tasks and assignments as leaders — ensuring we are at our best when we receive guests, and to ensure food and employee safety.
100%
0%
3×
Goal Completion Rate
Missed Items Target
Daily Check Points
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Leadership Questionnaire
Rate yourself on each statement using the scale below — with 5 being Almost Always True and 1 being Almost Never True.
Score
Meaning
5
Almost Always True
4
Frequently True
3
Occasionally True
2
Seldom True
1
Almost Never True
01. I enjoy communicating with others.
02. I am honest and fair.
03. I make decisions with input from others.
04. My actions are consistent.
05. I give others the information they need to do their jobs.
06. I keep focused through follow-up.
07. I listen to feedback and ask questions.
08. I show loyalty to the company and to the team members.
09. I create an atmosphere of growth.
10. I have wide visibility.
11. I give praise and recognition.
12. I criticize constructively and address problems.
13. I develop plans.
14. I have a vision on where we are going and set long term goals.