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Being a Good Leader in the Kitchen

There are a lot of qualities that a leader will need to have before he becomes known as a good leader to head a commercial kitchen restaurant.  Being a leader is not just about the title, but it is so much more.

So, what makes a good leader?

Not Just about Being Appointed as One

You may have studied at a famous culinary school, may even have the degree and skills to show off that you are a good chef, and may even be appointed as the head chef by the management, but do you have what it takes to be a good leader?

To be a leader, you will need to have experience as only experience can teach you how to deal with different types of people.  After all, experience is the one thing that culinary schools can never teach you as you will have to deal with different people in different settings and conditions with different constraints.

Not Just about the Experience

Of course, being a good leader in the kitchen is also not just about the experience you gather through the years, but it is also about earning the title.  Now, this is probably the most difficult part of being a good leader.  You can get experience from working, but commanding and earning the respect of your subordinates is very difficult.

You want people to follow you not because they have to but because you are a leader worth following and trusting.  As stated above, this is a very difficult feat.

Here are some pointers on how you can gain their trust.

1. Do not be blinded by your title as head chef and act all high and mighty.  This will be your undoing if you hope to become a good leader.  For this reason, let go of the ego.  Serve instead of being served.  If you cannot even manage simple tasks, how else can manage bigger things.
2. To be a good leader, you must first know how to be a good follower.  This is where respect comes in.  If you cannot respect your immediate supervisor, owner of the restaurant perhaps, then you will have no respect for your subordinates.
3. Create positive rapports with everybody.  You will find out that it will be easier for your subordinates to follow you if you treat them positively.
4. Love your job and always give it your best.  Nothing beats a good example, so if you want your subordinates to follow your lead, lead by a good example.  Show your dedication, passion, and exemplary skills for your profession, and your subordinates will give theirs the same devotion.
5. Never rely on your emotions through rough times but on discipline.  Just because you get along with everybody, it does not mean that you and your subordinates will not go through rough times.  There will be lots of them, and these situations are where your leadership will be sorely tested.  Yes, you may have easy and fun times with them when things are going smoothly, but when there is a problem, you have to show them that you can handle the situation clearheadedly.  Decide fairly yet with authority so as not to lose their respect.
6. Share your power.  It will require a lot of teamwork effort to make a restaurant successful, so be prepared to share your power.  Be a team player and share responsibilities with your subordinates.  If the restaurant is praised for a great service, be sure to extend it to your subordinates and praise them for their efforts, too, as a way of acknowledging their achievements.

You would want to be known as a leader who empowered people, not as leader who became heady with the position.  A leader should be able to help his subordinates live a better life and achieve their greatest potentials, not demean them.

The process of earning your subordinates' acceptance and trust in you as a leader is long and difficult, but if you earned it, it is very much worth the effort.

Image Credit:  hospitality-school.com

About the Author

I am Chef Matthew, owner of ProChef360, which is one of my websites and is maintained by culinary minded people.

 

I had worked in some of the finest resorts, hotels and restaurants in the world.  Overtime, I've learned the different tricks, ways and what is important in the culinary world.  That's how I created ProChef360 an informative website for all Chefs and everyone that are working in culinary field.

 

Find out more about ProChef360 by visiting the site NOW!

Can a good martial artist who is not a very good fighter teach someone how to fight?

Can a MA who is very knowledgable in regard to fighting theory and concepts (angles of entry and body positioning, body mechanics and human anatomy, use of leverage, etc) but a very good, or experienced "fighter" teach someone else how to fight effectivly?

Thoughts?
Sparring is not fighting. It is just a training format where you can experiment and see what MIGHT work for you in a fight.

Yes, of course. Sometimes a skilled professional can lack the ability to teach. Other times a very knowledgeable but mediocre person may be able to pass their wisdom along to somebody who can put it better into practice and gain leverage. Students can and do outperform their masters. I hope I explained it well enough for you.

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