In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, staying ahead of the curve isn't just about innovation in the kitchen or clever marketing. It’s about leadership that’s honest, adaptive, and self-aware. That’s where former Cinnabon CEO Kat Cole’s “Hot Shot Rule” becomes a game-changing mindset.
Simple in concept, powerful in execution, the Hot Shot Rule is a tool for leaders who want to avoid stagnation, lead with clarity, and make bold, necessary moves before someone else does it for them.
What Is the “Hot Shot Rule”?
Once a month, Kat Cole takes a pause and asks herself one question:
“If a hot shot took over my job tomorrow, what’s the first thing they would do differently?”
She imagines a super-smart, capable leader—someone who’s sharp, confident, and ready to win, stepping into her shoes. That “hot shot” has no baggage, no biases, and no blind spots. They see the business with fresh eyes.
Would they finally fire the underperformer she’s been avoiding?
Would they double down on a new revenue channel?
Would they upgrade outdated systems?
Would they finally open that second location or close the one that’s dragging profits down?
Kat then follows up with a tough second question:
“Why am I not doing that already?”
This exercise brings self-awareness to the forefront and exposes where comfort, habit, or fear might be holding her back.
Why It Matters in Hospitality
Restaurant operators and hospitality entrepreneurs are in the business of people: teams, guests, communities. That means leadership decisions directly impact service quality, team morale, customer experience, and ultimately the bottom line.
But the pace of day-to-day operations often leaves little room for reflection. You’re putting out fires, managing labor, juggling suppliers, and watching the numbers. It's easy to let non-urgent but important decisions sit on the back burner.
The Hot Shot Rule creates intentional space to stop and ask:
What am I tolerating that I wouldn’t if I were just starting out today?
And that’s the magic. It removes ego from the equation. It forces you to look at your business and your leadership with a beginner’s mindset, even if you’ve been doing this for decades.
The Psychology Behind the Rule
This isn’t just corporate fluff. There’s serious cognitive science behind this kind of reframing.
When you imagine someone else doing your job, your brain detaches from the emotional ties and biases you've built over time. It gives you objectivity. That’s why we often give better advice to friends than we take ourselves. We’re not tangled in their stress and self-doubt.
The Hot Shot Rule taps into that clarity. It’s like seeing your business from a balcony instead of the dance floor.
How to Use the Hot Shot Rule in Your Restaurant or Hospitality Business
You don’t need to be a CEO to use this rule. Whether you’re running a 3-location QSR brand or managing a boutique hotel kitchen, here’s how to put it into practice:
1. Set a Monthly Reminder
Pick one day a month—maybe the first Monday or the last Friday. Block off 30 minutes. Make it sacred. This is your CEO check-in with yourself.
2. Imagine the “Hot Shot”
Who’s the rockstar walking into your job? Maybe it’s a competitor you admire, a former mentor, or even an idealized version of yourself. The important part is they’re bold, smart, and have no emotional baggage.
3. Ask: “What would they do differently?”
Look at your people. Your processes. Your priorities. Your P&L. What’s broken or bloated? What are you avoiding? What’s an obvious opportunity you're hesitating on?
4. Ask: “Why am I not doing that?”
This is where the truth hits. Is it fear? Lack of time? Uncertainty? Guilt? Whatever it is, naming it gives you power over it.
5. Take Action
Pick one thing. Just one. And move the needle. Whether it’s having a hard conversation, reallocating budget, or shifting a strategy. Make progress.
Real-Life Applications
Hospitality pros who’ve embraced this mindset have used it to:
- Replace toxic but high-performing team members
- Reinvent stale menus that no longer match guest expectations
- Automate or outsource back-of-house processes that eat up time
- Launch private dining, catering, or ghost kitchen models
- Finally invest in training, leadership development, or digital marketing
The result? More alignment, more momentum, and more confidence in your leadership.
Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Hot Shot
What makes the Hot Shot Rule special isn’t that it introduces some brand-new management philosophy. It’s that it forces action with honesty, humility, and urgency.
In an industry where adaptability is everything, this mindset can help you lead like your business depends on it. Because it does.
So next time you're feeling stuck or unsure what move to make next, don’t just push through.
Pause.
Picture the hot shot.
And ask: What would they do differently?
Then go do it.
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