What is the best action to take in a situation involving discussions about new menu items?

Meeting with the employee to talk about new menu items is the best action because it fosters open communication and collaboration. Engaging in discussions allows for the sharing of ideas and feedback, which can lead to a more thoughtful and innovative menu. This approach encourages team members to voice their opinions and suggestions, ensuring that the new items reflect not only management's vision but also the insights of those who interact with customers regularly.

By involving employees in the decision-making process, it can lead to greater buy-in and enthusiasm about the new menu items, potentially improving service and customer satisfaction. Additionally, this collaboration helps to create a positive workplace culture that values input from all staff members.

In contrast, avoiding discussions about changing the menu can lead to missed opportunities and dissatisfaction among staff who may have valuable insights. Implementing changes without discussion can create resistance and lack of ownership among employees, possibly resulting in poor execution of the new menu items. Consulting a third party may provide external perspectives, but it may not reflect the specific needs and preferences of your team and clientele, making direct consultation with employees a more effective strategy.