Have you ever felt like your team operates as separate islands, disconnected and overwhelmed? Many
workplaces face this challenge, but here’s the truth—silos don’t just create inefficiency; they breed stress, disengagement, and blame. One experience that stands out to me is a transformational journey with a restaurant team that started divided and ended united.
Not only did this cultural shift dramatically improve team dynamics, but it also yielded extraordinary results—reducing turnover from 200% to less than 30% and nearly doubling their revenue in less than a year. Their story shows the remarkable impact of collaboration, empathy, and a shared mission.
A Team Divided
When I first started working with the two owners of this restaurant, it was clear that the team was fractured. The “front of the house” and the “back of the house” operated like two separate worlds, each managed by a different owner. Stress was through the roof, and finger-pointing was the default response when things went wrong.
One owner captured the atmosphere perfectly when she said, “Before coaching, I felt like I was on an island alone, constantly angry because I thought my island was the busiest in the restaurant.” This sense of isolation fed resentment and created a culture where communication was limited and frustrations festered.
The result? A workplace where morale was low, and stress levels were sky-high—all while the demands of running a restaurant didn’t slow down. The owners knew something had to change but weren’t sure where to begin.
A Shift in Perspective
A Shift in PerspectiveCoaching introduced the team to a powerful mindset shift. I encouraged them to think of their workplace not as two separate islands but as one house. Every role, from greeting customers to preparing the meals, was vital to the restaurant’s overall success. This was no simple shift—it required time, open communication, and a lot of reflection.
Here’s how we made it happen, and how you can apply these strategies to your own team:
- Encouraging Difficult Conversations
The first step was to address the elephant in the room. Open dialogue created space for the team to air frustrations and speak their minds—something that had been missing for a long time.
One of the owners reflected, “We had conversations about what wasn’t working, which allowed us to clear the air and set the stage for change.” These discussions weren’t about pointing fingers. Instead, they were about identifying pain points and creating a shared vision of what could be.
- Breaking Down Silos
Silos thrive when team members operate in isolation, only focused on their own tasks. To change that, we worked on redefining roles and responsibilities to foster unity.
One owner explained this mindset shift beautifully, saying, “Our work environment isn’t an island but a ship, and we all have extremely different tasks.” This understanding helped break down the invisible walls dividing the team. Tasks were no longer viewed as “mine” or “theirs”—they became shared responsibilities that served a common purpose.
- Establishing a Unified Mission
Next, we worked together to craft a clear mission for the restaurant—one that every employee could understand and rally behind. Not only was this mission communicated internally to the team, but it became an integral part of the restaurant’s external messaging to guests as well.
When employees see the “why” behind their work, it becomes easier for them to connect with their roles and collaborate with one another. The mission gave this team a powerful sense of pride in what they were building together.
- Fostering a Culture of Support
Empathy became the backbone of the team’s new approach. Instead of letting stress lead to frustration or blame, team members began supporting one another when the pressure was high.
One example really stands out. During a particularly chaotic lunch rush, Erica, a team member, had to flip a dining room twice in record time. Observing this, one of the owners approached her and said, “Erica, I know flipping that room twice is a lot. How can we help?” This simple act of recognition and care shifted the tone of the day and illustrated how small moments of empathy can create big changes.
The Payoff: Extraordinary Results
The transformation was as measurable as it was meaningful. Turnover, which had climbed to an unsustainable 200%, plummeted to less than 30%. This wasn’t just a number—it represented a workplace where employees truly wanted to stay, grow, and contribute.
Even more impressive, the restaurant’s revenue nearly doubled within the same timeframe. When employees are engaged and supported, it shows in the guest experience. Customers noticed the difference in service, teamwork, and overall atmosphere, making the restaurant a go-to destination in their community.
One owner summarized the transformation best by saying, “No one is alone, and no job is more important than another.” That mindset shift didn’t just repair their workplace—it created a foundation for sustainable success.
Lessons for Every Leader
This story proves that breaking down silos isn’t just about building better relationships—it’s about unlocking your
team’s potential for exceptional results. When silos crumble, everyone wins.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does your team feel like separate islands instead of one cohesive group?
- How often do your team members openly communicate about challenges and frustrations?
- What steps can you take to foster collaboration, empathy, and a sense of shared purpose?
Transformation begins when workplaces start shifting from “me” to “we.” By investing in communication and connection, you won’t just solve problems—you’ll create the conditions for thriving teams and growing businesses.
A Closing Thought
No team is perfect, and no workplace has all the answers. But when we approach challenges with openness, empathy, and a commitment to shared success, the results can be remarkable.
The story of this restaurant offers a clear lesson for us all—breaking down silos isn’t just possible, it’s transformative.
What steps will you take today to foster collaboration within your workplace? Because when the walls come down, the possibilities for growth are endless.
Here’s to your greatness,
Misti Burmeister
Misti Burmeister helps leaders and their team have conversations they keep avoiding but need to have. For nearly 20 years, she has facilitated communication that results in trust, increasing engagement and productivity across generations. Make sure your communication is coming across the way you intend, visit https://www.MistiBurmeister.com