If you think getting the best from your kitchen is all about barking orders and expecting perfection, then take a long look in the mirror.
It is a lot,a great deal more than that. It simply creating a forum for respectful team work/participation, thus promoting creativity and willing to try new things in the kitchen.
This is why this guide provides you with 10 tried and true strategies that will give you the confidence to stand tall, and create and maintain a positive working environment while ensuring your kitchen works together as one big cohesive unit!
Ready to read them all? Let’s get into it!
Tip 1: Lead by Example
If you were just starting out in cooking, and excited to learn the ropes… do you think that boss who yelled all day long but hardly ever worked their station themselves would compel inspiration?
Not really, right?
Just be the kind of leader you would want to work for.
Carry this out once and you have lived your standards…prove it, now trust in the rest. No hovering necessary!
It creates a culture in the kitchen where we have respect for ourselves, our co-workers and most importantly it allows workers to feel that what they are doing brings them good fortune.
Looking to apply these leadership skills in a humming culinary scene? Check out kitchen manager jobs in Miami for some exciting opportunities.
Also Read : Top 5 Health Benefits of Knowing Self-Defense
Tip 2: Delegate
Oh wait, you should trust your team to own it.
So, delegation is the first step to that.
If you do delegate, set your team up to look good. They may have their ways and that is fine!
Just so long as the food tastes good, let them work their own magic. This is the secret to encouraging confidence and a can-do attitude in your kitchen.
It also leaves you to do other critical things (like plan the menu or chat with your VIP patrons).
Win-win!
Also Read : What is BK Royal Sauce? The Truth About BK Royal Sauce
Tip 3: Communicate effectively.
It all starts with common courtesy.
Be polite: Please and thank you cost nothing; say them! Be respectful of others, after all your team members are working with you. If they kick a*s, give them some kudos!
Otherwise, If someones screw up, do not get them out or anything.
Gently remind them, and ask if they want any help. So, this begins instilling the employee with trust and responsibility in their work.
However, make sure to delegate tasks said (like we spoke about last tip) corresponded with clear communication and keeping the team informed. It a win-win for everyone when they know what is expected.
Tip 4: Take an Interest in Your Staff’s Lives Outside of Work
To build and support a loyal team you must know your staff as people, not just line cooks.
Ask how their hobbies are going, or about their families — show that you care as a person.
Consider this: How much more are you willing to go above and beyond when YOU feel appreciated.
So start building those connections and watch your kitchen thrive in 2021.
Tip 5: Continuously Learn and Adapt
Management is an endless learning journey.
No one knows it all, not even you (gasp!)
Fail, what it really means is being wrong about something, and then learn from in another words of the people you work with. This level of humility goes a long way building this culture and also signaling to your team that it’s okay for them try new things and learn.
We promise, this job is an emotional rollercoaster and also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do.
Tip 6: Listen well
A strong leader is able to hear twice, has much as they speak.
Don’t preach; you’re not a megaphone – Listen to your team.
THEY WORRY ABOUT… How are they responding to you?
They are the ones out there in the trenches every night getting smashed on, so their feedback is invaluable. Pay attention and hear some of their anecdotes.
They may come up with ingenious “solutions” — yes, pun intended.
Tip 7: Handle Issues Privately
But-come on, no one likes a public shaming.
That means that if you need to solve a problem with someone on your team, take them aside and talk to them. Public scoldings only disintegrate moral and esteem.
Address the issues privately and solve them together.
It provides the kitchen with a professional polite environment in which to learn and grow for each individual.
Tip 8: Recognize and Develop Talent
Every team has the individuals who consistently hit home runs and are hyper talented.
Your job is to identify them and then let them shine!
How?
Give them more difficult tasks or projects. This will provide motivation and help you keep them engaged.
However keep in mind that a team is only as strong at its weakest link.
Don’t Lose Everybody Else! Provide training and support to those that are on the fence.
Tip 9: Plan, Organize and Practice
Planning leads to effective kitchen management.
Work out your plan – what meals are you going to have (or favourite recipes) and how long will it take.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Rice? Prepping the meat? Baking that bread? You can then take that detail and work backwards from when you need your meals served.
Dinner’s at 7:00 PM? Perfect! Rice at 6:40 PM
Take into account your course cook times (60 minutes) and prep times, if any, to start the main dish prep by 6:00 PM on a dime.
Now simply write this all down and follow your culinary roadmap.
This has everything peaceful, in order and keeps the food coming.
Tip 10: Develop Soft Skills
As far as the management of kitchen is concerned technical skills, no wonder are imperative but alongside its non-technical (soft) portion holds even more vitality.
Communication, empathy and perspective of where your team is coming from. So much about knowing how to apply pressure and when to back off, treating all parties with the respect they are entitled.
But as we all know, sometimes that respect means firing someone. However, the trick is to do it with grace and not contribute as we once did in our industry.
Efficient kitchen management starts with building a strong team in order to utilize everyone working for you effectively, so as to create an environment where everybody involved feel appreciated and supported. And guess what?
By mastering those soft skills, you transform from being just a grill master — to an inspiring leader who propels their team stacking spirits up higher than the attic.
Conclusion
The secret to a good kitchen is the creation of strong team that performs best under pressure and pleasure in working.
These 10 tips represent that and are your guide for creating a kitchen culture like it.
In a nutshell, forget about micromanagement, go for collaboration and see your kitchen turn into the must visit place of every culinary lover!
