Let’s be honest.
For a lot of managers, the pre-shift meeting is a box to check.
For a lot of teams, it’s background noise before the real work starts.
But what if I told you that quick 10-minute meeting is one of the most powerful moments of the shift?
Because when it’s done right, pre-shift isn’t a task. It’s neurochemistry. And it taps directly into one of the brain’s favorite performance hacks: rhythm.
Set the Rhythm – Set the Room
Neuroscience shows that our brains crave rhythm—not just in music, but in routines, rituals, and communication patterns. Rhythmic structure creates predictability, which reduces cognitive load and stress. It also boosts attention, memory, and emotional connection.
Think about it:
Songs stick in your brain because of rhythm.
Great teams perform in sync because of rhythm.
Cultures thrive when rituals create rhythm.
When your team knows what to expect at the start of every shift—when they feel a consistent energy, tone, and tempo—it engages people with team alignment and emotional momentum.
Emotional Contagion: Why Your Vibe is Viral
Neuroscience has a wonderfully wicked way of exposing what we already feel but can’t quite explain. The brain is wired with mirror neurons—like emotional Wi-Fi signals—that sync us up with other people. They’re the reason you grin back when someone else smiles or tense up around an anxious coworker. It’s called emotional contagion, and it explains how one frazzled server can change the vibe of the entire dining room.
Translation: if your GM is pacing around sharing exasperated sighs, the team absorbs that. If your bartender cracks a joke, tension softens. Think of it this way: mise en place doesn’t just apply to knives and garnishes. It applies to emotions. A disorganized kitchen tanks service. A disorganized energy field tanks the guest experience.
And the preshift huddle? That’s your daily chance to set it.
A great preshift huddle has rhythm and chemistry. Done right, it doesn’t just share information—it tunes the team’s brain and sets the vibe for the night.
Here’s the brain-based rhythm that works:
1. Clarity – What’s today’s focus or goal?
Serotonin loves a clear plan—it calms the brain.
2. Context – Guest notes, team wins, or service challenges.
Sharing wins and challenges boosts oxytocin—connection and trust.
3. Energy – A compliment, recognition, or moment of gratitude.
Cue dopamine with a quick win—primes positivity.
4. Team Voice – A chance for people to speak up.
Oxytocin in action—builds teamwork and accountability.
When you hit this rhythm, you’re not just briefing the shift—you’re literally lighting up the team’s neurochemistry. Dopamine (anticipation), oxytocin (connection), serotonin (confidence). That cocktail transforms “blah, here’s the specials” into a ritual that sets the emotional thermostat for the room—and your guests will feel it before the first plate hits the table.
The huddle is your invisible marketing campaign—the energy that seeps into every table, every pour, every plate. Get it right, and guests leave saying, “Wow, that place just felt good.”
Use it. Here’s a quick and easy Pre-Shift ritual to try with your team today:
“The Vibe Check”
Step 1: The Silent Standoff
Pair team members face-to-face. For 10 seconds, they must keep a totally neutral expression. (Awkward? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.)
Step 2: The Smile Snap
On cue, one person breaks into a genuine smile. Watch what happens—thanks to mirror neurons, the other person can’t help but smile back.
Step 3: Reflection
How fast did you catch the other person’s mood?
What does that say about how guests catch yours?
Why it Works:
This simple exercise makes emotional contagion visible. It shows your team—no charts, no lectures—that their mood isn’t just theirs. It spreads, instantly. And the kicker? Once they’ve just laughed together, the oxytocin bond is already flowing before the first guest walks in.
For more practical, brain-based pre-shift huddles, download the Pre-Shift Huddle Cheatsheet here.
Dr. Melissa Hughes is a dynamic keynote speaker and author of Backstage Pass: The Science Behind Hospitality that Rocks. She’s known for blending cutting-edge brain science with contagious energy, humor, and heart. Melissa delivers unforgettable keynotes that spark mindset shifts, boost engagement, and drive measurable, lasting transformation.
