Former Teacher and Current Hospitality Manager Encourages Calm, Connection, and Community in a World That Moves Too Fast
(Isstories Editorial):- Carmichael, California Jun 16, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Andrew Gantner Krienke, General Manager at CE Restaurant & Bar (Bella Bru Cafe) in Carmichael, California, is calling attention to an overlooked but vital issue: the need for grounded, everyday leadership in high-pressure environments. Drawing on his experience as a former educator and youth coach turned hospitality leader, Krienke is encouraging individuals across industries to slow down, listen more, and lead with empathy.
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“In the restaurant world, chaos is part of the job,” Krienke said. “But how we respond to it defines the culture. If I stay calm and steady, my team follows. That’s not just management–that’s leadership.”
Krienke’s leadership philosophy is rooted in his upbringing in Lodi, California, where his father was a public school teacher and coach, and his mother a nurse. Today, he combines those early lessons with years of experience on the restaurant floor.
“Whether I was teaching, coaching, or serving food, the work has always been about people,” he said. “Checking in with my team every day–asking how they’re doing, not just what they’re doing–builds trust. That trust creates strong teams.”
According to a 2023 study by Gallup, only 21% of employees feel engaged at work, while over 50% report stress during most of their day. Krienke believes consistent leadership at the ground level can shift those numbers.
“Leadership doesn’t have to be loud or perfect,” he noted. “It just has to show up–every day, for every person.”
Krienke points to small actions–like stepping in during a rush or taking time to hear a new employee’s idea–as powerful ways to shape culture. “Some of the best ideas I’ve heard came from servers or dishwashers,” he said. “People want to contribute. You just have to give them the space to do it.”
Beyond the workplace, Krienke stays grounded through volunteering at his local church and spending time outdoors with his family. “Being in nature resets me,” he said. “It reminds me why I do this–to create a better space for others.”
A Call to Action: Lead Where You Are
Krienke isn’t asking people to change careers or overhaul their lives. Instead, he’s encouraging a return to presence, especially in fast-moving environments.
“Start by listening,” he said. “Ask how someone’s doing, not just what they need to get done. You’d be surprised how far that can go.”
What You Can Do Today:
- Greet your team or coworkers every day.
- Stay calm during high-stress moments–your tone sets the culture.
- Invite feedback from everyone, regardless of their role.
- Show up consistently, even when you don’t have all the answers.
- Take time to reflect–alone or with family–on why you lead in the first place.
In a time when many industries face burnout, turnover, and disconnection, Krienke’s message is simple and timely: real leadership doesn’t begin in the boardroom–it begins at eye level.
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
