If you’re already open, you know this — and if you’re getting ready to open, you’re about to find out: managing a team is one of the hardest, most complex, and most draining parts of running an indoor playground or play café.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 leadership habits that have helped me earn the respect and trust of my team — not because they had to follow me, but because they wanted to. These are lessons I’ve learned the hard way over the years, adapted specifically for our unique industry where most employees are part-time, often young, and juggling a lot outside of work.

I’ll walk you through how I:

• Model the behavior I expect
• Communicate clearly and address issues early
• Listen to my team and act on their feedback
• Take ownership publicly and coach privately
• Empower instead of micromanage
• Recognize wins that build morale
• Stay calm when chaos hits
• Stay fair and consistent
• Invest in my team’s growth, even if they won’t stay forever
• Lead with humility and openness

Because leadership in this industry isn’t about barking orders — it’s about setting the tone, building trust, and creating a culture that runs smoothly even when you’re not in the room.

If you’re ready to create that kind of team — one that respects you, supports each other, and helps your business grow — this episode is for you.

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