​Episode 178: Leadership vs. Management - with Lee Sheldon from Managing Multi-Units

In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, host Stelios sits down for an engaging conversation with Lee Sheldon from Mastering Multi-Units (MMU). As Lee celebrates the 10th anniversary of MMU, the discussion revolves around leadership and the evolving challenges of managing multi-site businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector.

The conversation opens with an acknowledgement of the heightened importance of effective management in today’s economic landscape. Stelios and Lee agree that while resources like TED Talks and management books have never been more accessible, a leadership gap remains. Too often, businesses focus on menus and equipment but overlook the critical aspect of managing people. Lee highlights that being promoted from a general manager to a multi-site manager requires a significant shift in mindset—one that many are unprepared for. He shares his experience of being “thrown in the deep end” and how this led him to found MMU, a company dedicated to supporting managers in making this transition smoothly.

A vital point of the conversation is the difference between leadership and management. Lee explains that leadership is future-focused and people-centric, while management is about processes and tasks. The title “manager” is often overused and sometimes given as a consolation instead of a proper raise, resulting in people holding leadership titles without the appropriate training or experience.

Another central theme is how businesses often fail to provide their employees with clearly defined roles and expectations, which leads to operational inefficiencies. Lee stresses the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving operational excellence, drawing from his experience working with companies inside and outside the hospitality industry, such as Biffa and Noble Foods. He emphasises that good management practices are not only about preventing HR issues but also about employee retention and reducing turnover. For example, Wingstop, a brand Lee has worked with, focuses heavily on selecting suitable candidates during recruitment to avoid the costly cycle of high turnover.

The episode concludes with Lee discussing his “Operational Disciplines Model,” a framework emphasising clarity, consistent review processes, and forward-thinking planning. When implemented effectively, these practices can improve customer experience and financial performance. Lee and Stelios agree that good management isn’t just a business necessity—it’s a human right in the 21st century. They invite listeners to delve deeper into the world of multi-site leadership by listening to the full episode, available on all major podcast platforms.