This is a big week of catch up for me on Stagen – I had a chance to read everyone’s Knower vs. Learner ejournal posts and was motivated and influenced by each of them. Thank you!

For me, I use to be a 100% KNOWER in my restaurants. I was in the complete mindset that I did not have time to be anything but that. To elaborate, we are a fast growing organization and are creating all of our systems and infrastructure as we run. The thought of taking the extra time to collaborate and listen was ludicrous. With my restaurant visits and meetings there were always things to discuss, decisions to be made, and a lot of time driving. Oh, and it all has to be done before peak lunch and dinner times so we can be present on the floor when we are busiest. I did not feel like I had additional time to collaborate, debate or frankly even listen.

It was a couple years ago where I was going absolutely mad following up on the systems that I created that weren’t being done or following up on people who weren’t following through on the decisions that I made. It was taking up more of my time. This is when I changed my mindset and became more of a LEARNER. I began to listen to my TEAM and take what I was hearing and apply it to systems and processes. I made decisions after listening to my TEAM and explained why we were going a different direction if I disagreed.

I can’t say I am always doing this but my progression is positive!

When I am with our company’s senior leadership TEAM I often act as LEARNER. I have experience but am far and away the least experienced one at the table and I recognize that I have a tremendous amount to learn from these individuals. However, my sentiments and perspective often differ from time to time. I am aware that I can often be more progressive or “new age” but I want my voice heard even if we do not go that direction. I find that I often get triggered and snap into the KNOWER mode where I am so convinced that I am right that I have to drag it out longer than it needs or should be. I can think back to a circumstance that happened last week where the company took a stance that I agreed with because I thought it was the right decision for where we are right now. However, in the bigger picture and if our current environment was different than I whole heatedly disagree.  I found myself frustrated and continuing to make my voice heard about my stance despite being in agreement with the company on the decision we were making today. It took energy out of me and gave me frustration that was completely meaningless. I can’t continue to get triggered into a KNOWER mode like that.

  Jake Schostak

  MOD Pizza | Brand Leader | 248.207.7861

Web: modpizza.com | teamschostak.com

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