The Secret Ingredient: How Your Energy Shapes Kitchen Success

As chefs, we often focus on perfecting our culinary skills, but there's an ingredient far more potent than any seasoning in our arsenal: our energy.

The atmosphere we create in our kitchens can make or break our team's performance, morale, and overall culture.

The Ripple Effect of Your Energy

Have you ever walked into your kitchen stressed and noticed your team quickly mirroring that tension? Or perhaps you've bounced in with enthusiasm and watched as smiles spread across your staff's faces? That's the power of your energy at work.

As leaders, we set the emotional and operational tone of our kitchens. Whether positive or negative, our attitude and demeanor spread quickly, influencing everything from efficiency to team cohesion.

"A composed, upbeat leader fosters a kitchen environment where staff feel more at ease, motivated, and engaged."

On the flip side, a constantly agitated leader can create an atmosphere of anxiety, leading to more frequent mistakes and less effective communication.

Navigating the Heat of Service

We all know that service can be unpredictable, with stress levels spiking unexpectedly. But it's in these pressure-cooker moments that our energy as leaders becomes even more crucial.

When the tickets are piling up and the kitchen is in full swing, it's tempting to let our energy ramp up to match the pace. However, I've learned that this approach often leads to more mistakes and heightened stress levels among the team.

Instead, try this:

• Take a pause: Before calling out tickets, ground yourself.
• Make eye contact: Connect with each team member individually.
• Use names: Call out to your staff personally before giving instructions.
• Lead with calm: Be the eye of the storm, providing a sense of stability amidst the chaos.

By staying grounded, you help your team feel secure and confident, even in the most intense moments.

The Human Element in Culinary Leadership

In the heat of service, it's easy to view our team as mere cogs in a machine. But acknowledging their humanity can be a game-changer.

I was recently reminded of a brilliant strategy by a fellow chef:

"I would get a busboy to bring glasses of water for everyone, pausing in the middle the rush to allow my team to take a breath and reconnect with their humanity."

This simple act can transform your kitchen from a stress-filled pressure cooker to a collaborative, human-centered environment.

The Consequences of Negative Energy

Let's face it - we've all experienced or even perpetuated negative kitchen environments. But have we truly considered the long-term impacts?

Negative leadership energy can lead to:

• Reduced morale and team engagement
• Higher mistake rates and turnover
• Long-term cultural damage

It's a cycle that's hard to break once it takes root. But as leaders, we have the power - and the responsibility - to set a different tone.

Cultivating Positive Energy: A Choice and a Practice

Creating a positive work environment isn't about plastering motivational posters on the walls. It's about intentional habits and behaviors that we, as leaders, choose to embody every day.

Here are some strategies to cultivate positive energy:

• Develop emotional awareness: Recognize how your moods impact your team.
• Set the tone from the start: Enter the kitchen with a clear, positive mindset.
• Appreciate and celebrate: Acknowledge hard work and team successes.
• Lead with composure: Stay calm and solution-focused, especially under pressure.

Your Action Steps

• Identify your emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage them proactively.
• Set a daily intention for the energy you want to bring into your kitchen. Write it down.
• Create regular spaces for open communication - daily stand-ups, team check-ins, or one-on-one conversations.

Remember, great leadership isn't just about skills - it's about consciously managing our energy. It's challenging work, but incredibly rewarding.

As you step into your kitchen today, take a deep breath and ask yourself: How do I want my team to feel at the end of this shift? Drained and frustrated, or accomplished and motivated?

The choice - and the energy - is yours. Let's lead with our hearts and create kitchens that don't just survive, but truly thrive.

How will you choose to show up in your kitchen today?

Share your intentions in the comments below!

Stay Tall & Frosty and Remember to Lead from the Heart,