Managing a McDonald’s isn’t just about keeping things running—it’s about leading a team, serving customers with a smile, and making sure everything goes smoothly. But let’s be honest, managing people can be tricky. I’ve learned that avoiding certain mistakes can make all the difference between being a good manager and a great one.

So, here are six things I make sure to avoid to keep my team happy, motivated, and performing at their best.

Poor Communication

Trust me, if your team doesn’t know what’s happening, you’re in for a mess. Whether it’s explaining a new sandwich on the menu, assigning shifts, or giving instructions for the day, it’s up to me to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

I’ve found that when communication breaks down, mistakes happen, service slows, and everyone gets frustrated. So, I make it a point to be clear and check that my team knows exactly what they need to do.

What I do: I keep it simple, give clear instructions, and always ask if anyone has questions. That way, we avoid confusion from the start.

Lack of Recognition

We all know how tough it can get during a rush. But I’ve realized that it’s super important to recognize hard work, even when things are hectic. People want to feel appreciated—it’s as simple as that.

I don’t wait for the big moments to say “good job.” Whether it’s getting through a busy lunch rush or keeping things clean, I make sure to thank my team when they’ve done well.

What I do: I celebrate the small wins. A quick “thanks” or “great job today” makes a huge difference in keeping the team motivated.

Favoritism

Look, we all have people we click with more than others. But showing favoritism? That’s a quick way to wreck team spirit. If some people always get the better shifts or more recognition, the rest of the team notices—and trust me, they don’t like it.

Fairness is key. I make sure everyone gets a fair shot at shifts, tasks, and recognition. It keeps the peace and shows that I value everyone’s contribution equally.

What I do: I rotate shifts and responsibilities so no one feels like they’re getting the short end of the stick.

Ignoring Feedback

Just because I’m the manager doesn’t mean I know everything. My team is on the front lines, and they see things I might miss. Ignoring their feedback isn’t just bad for morale—it’s bad for business.

So, I’ve made it a habit to listen to my team’s suggestions, concerns, and ideas. Even if I can’t act on everything, just showing that I’m listening makes a big difference.

What I do: I hold regular check-ins with my team and always ask for their input. Plus, I’ve got a suggestion box in case they want to share something privately.

Not Leading by Example

Here’s the thing: if I don’t walk the walk, why should my team? I’ve learned that how I behave sets the tone for the whole crew. If I’m late, slack off, or show a bad attitude, they’ll follow suit. But if I’m working hard, staying positive, and doing things the right way, they will too.

What I do: I make sure I’m the kind of employee I’d want to manage. I lead with energy, positivity, and a good work ethic—and I’ve noticed my team follows suit.

Being Unapproachable

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that if your team doesn’t feel like they can come to you, you’re going to miss out on important information. Whether it’s work-related or personal, I want my team to feel comfortable bringing me their concerns.

If I’m distant or seem like I don’t care, they’ll keep things to themselves, and that’s when problems build up.

What I do: I keep an open-door policy and regularly check in with my team, even if it’s just a quick chat. It’s important they know I’m there for them.

Wrapping It Up

Managing a McDonald’s team isn’t easy, but avoiding these common mistakes makes a huge difference. It’s all about clear communication, recognizing hard work, treating everyone fairly, being open to feedback, leading by example, and making sure I’m approachable.

By keeping these things in mind, I’ve built a stronger, happier team that works together and gets the job done. And trust me, when your team is motivated and on board, everything else falls into place.