Team Leader Spotlight - Katlego Radiporo

We recently sat down with Katlego Radiporo, an exceptional Branch Manager at our Steers – The Fields restaurant who, along with his team, goes above and beyond every day to make a difference. Katlego takes us through his journey of being a Branch Manager and how he ensures that he runs a great restaurant.

Q1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Retail Group.

I am Katlego - Steers The Fields Branch manager. My job is basically to manage all operations of the business through application of management functions and take full accountability of everything the store. I have the responsibility to improve the store profitability by identifying opportunities in the market and to manage and improve team members’ performance through motivational and transformational leadership.

Q2. What is the best part of leading the team at (restaurant)?

For starters, I find enjoyment in leading, managing understanding people. I'm motivated by setting high standards and excelling with my team. I like putting my team first and inspiring them to aim higher and encouraging my team to learn to cope and deal with adversities.

Q3. What are some of the challenges?

We deal with different people in term of ability and skill-set and behavior. The major challenges are enforcing procedure, policy implementation and ensuring adherence to the company standards. Sometimes we are forced to micromanage individuals to ensure compliance which is always a challenge as micromanagement consumes time that we could divert to improving other facets of the business.

Q4. How do you build a team of people who are willing to offer exceptional customer experiences?

It's important that you build an element of trust with your team. I never separate myself from my team when we achieve good results and I always emphasize that every positive achievement is through their input. I also celebrate achievements and ensure that everyone pulls the same direction.

Q5. Can you describe your restaurant culture and the values that drive it?

We have built a culture where we can give each other honest feedback and constructively criticize each other. We also give praise where its due. This has helped us to always put our customers first and emphasize professionalism and consistency in giving outstanding service. I also encourage my managers to offer care and emotional support to the team members such that together we can pour hospitality from the heart to our customers because we are full.

Q6. Who is (interviewee) outside of working hours?

I'm a very relaxed person outside work. Off days are family time, I love spending time with my son. I also love listening to music, watching documentaries, motivational speakers and poetry. I am a football fanatic – I support Manchester United.

Q7. What do you look forward to in your future (professionally and personally?)

I plan to work for Retail Group for many years. My hope is to become an Area Manager in 5 years and help build a long lasting strategic vision to maintain Retail Group as an industry leading organization. It's easier for me to have these aspirations as the company gives me stability and supports growth for all its employees. I plan to have gathered enough experience to run my own kitchen in future as I have passion for the hospitality industry.

Q8. What advice can you give to people who would like to follow in your footsteps?

I've learnt that sometimes it's not about doing your best, it's about doing what is required. Because your very best can be very subjective. Life is not a perfection game; life is an adjustment game. Be innovative, take calculated risks! It's important to identify your unique selling point as person & have the confidence in your ability. Most importantly be HUMBLE. You can sacrifice your time and energy but for you to elevate in life humility is required.