Dragonfly Restaurants “Our Table” Blog Post: The Dragonfly Way

Posted on: 06.08.2017

PILLARS OF THE PROGRAM: CULTURAL VALUES & BUSHIDO

As a group, we focus on the five cultural values that make up a part of our Bushido daily. At staff gatherings and even during down time, we recognize and reward the teammates who move our culture forward. Recognition comes in the form of focused feedback, Good Tuna awards, and focused storytelling. At all times, our goal is to nurture the team for success. One tool we use to help identify cultural leaders (those who truly embody the Dragonfly Way) is our Employee of the Month Program (EOM).

HOW THE EOM WORKS

Each month, we focus on promoting one of our five cultural values, or one of the pillars of our Bushido, and really search out a teammate who embodies that particular focus. Each and every staff member has an opportunity to recognize teammates for work done well. Our guests can even contribute by leaving reviews on Yelp, OpenTable, Trip Advisor, Google Places, and Facebook.

OUR MONTHLY FOCUS

Cultural Values

• January: Consider it Done – I own and share our Key Results and make timely decisions to achieve them.
• February: Solve it – I proactively solve challenges with creative solutions.
• March: Celebrate Memories – I am committed to crafting a meaningful, trusting connection with ALL my team and guests.
• April: Expand Talent  – I seek out and nurture those who embody our bushido.
• May: Embrace Change – I courageously take initiative and make changes happen.

Bushido

• June: Passion & Innovation – I love my craft! I am compelled to take action with urgency and determination to constantly improve daily.
• July: Integrity – I do my best, even when no one is looking.
• August: Teamwork/family – I build trust with teammates and look out for the interest of others before myself. I will learn to be brutally honest and candid with my communications.
• September: Energetic/Fun – I enjoy my work, and I’m sure to show it.
• October:  Memorable service – I create lasting memorable service in everything I do for our guests and my teammates. I have the right to do something out of the ordinary.
• November: Kaizen: Be student/teacher – I believe in Kaizen, continual excellence. I will always learn from others and take the time to mentor those in need.
• December: Humility – I possess the quiet confidence in knowing what is right. It’s ok to not know and to admit to mistakes, just as long as I can learn and grow from them. I understand that working in restaurants means serving others.

MEET OUR WINNERS

With an idea of The Dragonfly Way in Hand, we wanted to share a brief introduction to our winners. Get to know them, and say “Hi” next time you’re in for a visit!

MAY 2017

Name: Nathan Ha
Occupation: Sushi Chef
Teammate Since: 2013
Favorite Cultural Value: Expand Talent
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Favorite Menu Item: Bacon Wrapped Enoki
Favorite Movie: Mulan

We asked him what his favorite Dragonfly memory was:

When I first started with Dragonfly, I misspelled cilantro really badly.  To this day, anytime I make a mistake the team will chide me by yelling our “Cilantro” no matter where they are in the restaurant. It’s both embarrassing and endearing because it’s one of the first moments that I really connected with the team. Every time I hear “Cilantro” I know everyone is smiling!