RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT 101

There you are, end of post.

It could be, but I should probably elaborate.  Pick a closing shift that is traditionally your slowest, and have your dishwasher take the day off.  If the shift is a busy one, this could quickly turn into a trainwreck.  It's now everyone's job to get the dishes done, yourself included.  There are two jobs that a manager should be willing to do, wash dishes and bus tables.

When everyone pulls together to accomplish the job, show them that you are proud of them working together.  After the dishes are done and everyone is ready to go home, explain to them this was an exercise and thank them for taking part in it.  They'll probably think you're crazy, but they understand.

Maybe buy your dishwasher lunch for taking the day off!

To put this bluntly, your staff is a mirror of you.

When you're having a bad day, or going through a rough period, your assistants and supervisors know.  Their attitudes reflect it, and their actions reflect it.  This is then passed on to the staff and directly to the customers. 

It may be easy to assume that your employees have their own free will and make their own decisions, but while they're working they become a part of their environment.  If the environment is negative, frustrating, or hostile - they will be too!

Don't assume that this only applies to bad days.  When you enter your restaurant in the morning and are genuinely happy to see your dishwashers and prep cooks, the rest of the staff notices.  This will set the tone for the rest of the day.  While you're working, you're in control.  Leave your BS at the door and go make your restaurant the best it can be!!