In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to give some pointers on how to make sure your leadership roles are being filled by the most competent team members, be they women or men. The first place to look is promotion structure: how people are promoted, how feedback is delivered, and whether development is consistent across roles.

Research and industry reporting continue to show that top-tier leadership representation is still uneven. A widely cited 2022 analysis of Michelin-starred restaurants across multiple countries found that under 11% percent were led by women across the globe.

Owners can move the needle fastest by tightening the process around hiring, scheduling, and visibility. Begin at the candidate pool: write job descriptions that describe outcomes and competencies, and use structured interviews with the same questions for every candidate. Then look at who gets the “career-making” shifts and projects. Prime sections, key events, opening shifts, vendor tastings, training new hires, leading pre-shifts, running expo. Those are leadership reps in disguise, and they often get assigned by habit. Track those assignments for 60 days and rotate them so high-potential team members gain real reps and measurable growth. 

Pay equity and flexibility shape equal opportunity too, because they determine who can stay long enough to rise. Run a wage audit by role and tenure, and correct gaps that lack a performance reason. Pair that with scheduling practices that respect people’s lives, like posting schedules earlier, limiting last-minute changes, and offering predictable lead shifts for development tracks. Add a clear reporting channel for harassment and bias with consistent consequences across titles. Culture is what teams watch you do. When standards are clear, pathways are real, and the work environment is safe, the strongest leaders rise faster and stay longer.

If you want a team that lasts, build leadership thoughtfully. EyeSpy supports restaurants with leadership development coaching, mandated sexual harassment and other trainings, and training programs that create clear standards which help to promote equal growth pathways.