Suggestions on how to deal with broken promises

Transfered.

By hopeful on Friday, September 22, 2000 - 02:41 pm: Edit

Please advise....My husband is an Exec. Chef, our family relocated because he believed in the owner, and I believe in my husband. Unfortunately, not one of the promises made by the owner during several meetings has been kept. Is there any way of tactfully addressing these issues with the owner? She promised lots of PR, remodeling the kitchen to my husbands specs, promised him complete control, etc. He is an outstanding person, not a short-term guy at all, and definately not a quitter. I hate to see my love suffer, as food is his true passion. The owner is well known and my husband doesn't believe in burning his bridges. Unfortunately for us, she is accepting credit for positive things he does daily, and blaming him for problems that she won't let him fix. Does anyone have any advice at all?

By Panini (Panini) on Friday, September 22, 2000 - 07:32 pm: Edit

hopeful,
Unfortunately this is common practice in our industry. Owning a business sometimes puts you in this position,it sounds like he has taken the support position, therefor she is in the position of taking credit for everything.
Your spouse should never think about burning bridges. If the owner has promised him complete control, he must voice his concerns immediatly.
We are all in business to make money, if things are not right with him than that will eventually translate to the customers and the bottom line.
Always approach the owners with resolutions not problems. If he does not want to do this at this point, than he should start a daily diary so as to be prepared to discuss the situation with facts.
By the way you speak it seems like they are not on a level playing field. As a business owner, I respect someone who talks to me on my level. Someone talking up to me translates to more work for me.

This is just my unsolicited advice. I'm sure alot of people would disagree with me.
Good Luck
panini
PS. FAMILY FIRST. Set the meeting up on neutral ground, preferably at a very well run establishment, it's nice to be in an enviornment that clicks.I always invite family, if he is happy you are happy.

By W.DeBord on Saturday, September 23, 2000 - 02:21 pm: Edit

This is a hard situation and a common one in this industry, sorry. The only small thing I can add here is the importance of writing agreements down ahead of time. It seems uncomfortable to ask for everything in writing when you are beginning a relationship. Personally my current position is the first time I had the guts to do it (and I missed alot of important issues, but I've learned). Talking is great....then write it down so both parties can remember exactly what they've agreed to.

Don't let him burn a bridge! The owner might have a different time line set in their head before they invest in the improvements promised. He has to sit down and reclarify what they each agreed to previously.

Also don't let him chase after credit or feel burned that he's not getting enough. Real credit doesn't come from your own voice shouting it, people see and know who really does the work.

By Chefrick (Chefrick) on Saturday, September 23, 2000 - 02:45 pm: Edit

hopeful,
I have been in the same boat.What DeBord & Panini have stated,is good advise.The only thing I can add is that if he does not get what was promised,and things cannot be straightened out to both parties satisfaction,then he should turn in notice and start over somewhere else. If the job is not rewarding then it is just work,and that is not what this buissness is about.Next time make sure everything is in writting,reviewed by leagal counsel,before a deal is stuck. Good Luck!!!

By Dpconsu (Dpconsu) on Sunday, September 24, 2000 - 12:46 am: Edit

My dear Hopefull,
Unfortunately, I have to agree with most of what the others have responded to you so far.
After being burnt in agreemnet both verbal and contractual a few times over the years I have learnt to dot all the i's and cross all the t's and make sure that the letter of agreement/intent or formal contract is binding in the place that you will be residing.

I will be happy to e-mail you the blank format for the generic copy of our company's letter of agreement and intent if you would like. It allows for the owner to list his/her expectations and goals and for you to list your requirements of the owner, prior to signing, get it looked over by an attorney,( it will save you big time if you want to pull out later due to the owners breach of contract).

But take heart dear lady, this happens to every executive cheg, GM & F&B manager sometime in their career. We all get through it, put it behind us and learn from it. It is unfortunate that some people out there who are owners seem to delight in negateing a deal, knowing that in general the salaried employee has not the means to contest it in court.

You may learn how we do business too by visiting our site (www.designandperformance.com) and I will send you our contract format if you have MS word or if you have a fax I will fax it to you.

Best of luck

Mike Reinardy
dpconsu

By W.DeBord on Monday, September 25, 2000 - 08:51 am: Edit

Dear dpconsu I hope you will understand my comments and not take them as a attack on you (nor am I trying to embarrass or make you feel uncomfortable).

I personally take offense when people call or use the word "dear" to someone they don't personally know in a business situation. Unless your intentionally using it to "put someone in their place".

Two men don't use that word with each other in a business conversation. When used in a male/female conversation you run the risk of offending your female clients.

I only say this because you don't seem to be aware of the negative effect of such a nice word.:)

By momoreg on Monday, September 25, 2000 - 12:14 pm: Edit

Really? I think it's a gentle and old fashioned way of addressing someone. In fact, I use "Dear" in business letters all the time.

By kfh on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 07:02 pm: Edit

QUIT, QUIT, QUIT!!!!!