Finding your purpose, making a difference, and creating your legacy are underlying goals that every chef seems to hold close. How important is this and in the big scheme of things, does it really matter? We invest so much time in our craft, finding our cooking signature, promoting our personal brand and that of the restaurant(s) we represent, and finding ways to build a reputation – why? Is the sacrifice worth the investment? These are serious questions that beckon consideration.

WHY is a very important consideration; a consideration that can shape how we spend our time on this planet. WHY are we so obsessed with making our mark? WHY do chefs sacrifice so much? WHY would we subject our families and friends to our obsession with creating a legacy? WHY would anyone care – except YOU?

Trust me when I say that the more you age, the more you will question the WHY. So, here are some thoughts.

The older I am the more I understand:

[]       The purpose that is most significant is helping others to find their self-worth and grow. Yes, chefs, like parents, find the greatest satisfaction in nurturing others and helping them to find a purpose. Training, teaching, coaching, and mentoring are the most important attributes of a successful chef. We (chefs) are first and foremost – teachers. We have gained a treasure chest of skills and experiences over the years that need to be shared with others. When a chef sees that twinkle in a young cook’s eyes when they “get it”, when what they are exposed to finally becomes a skill they own – the world seems filled with possibilities. When a young commis cook steps into that first line position and does so with confidence – the feeling of accomplishment is palpable. When that skilled line cook is promoted to a sous chef position because you helped to prepare them for that day, you feel as energized as they do. And, when you receive that call from a former sous chef who excitedly tells you they had been hired as a restaurant chef – their first leap into being a leader and thanks you for all you did to get them there – then you know that your legacy is firmly established.

[]       The recognitions and accolades that you might receive as a chef are insignificant compared to your ability to hire, train, teach, build, coach, mentor, push, assist, and celebrate the team behind those accolades. Those certificates, letters of commendation, medals, trophies, articles in the paper, cookbooks with your name, and reviewer’s positive comments about the food served in your restaurant should be shared with the team that worked to make that happen. Your legacy is their legacy – you just happen to have a different title on your jacket.

[]       When your cooks have the same level of passion for the work they do as you did when their age, then you will understand your purpose. You set the example, as the chef, for others to aspire to. Your positive energy and enthusiasm for the ingredients, the process of cooking, the history behind it, and the joy of sliding a plate of food down the pass will set the stage for others to emulate. This is your purpose.

[]       Your personal accomplishments will mean very little if you fail to create an environment of professionalism and respect in your kitchen. The days of volatile chefs who feel that the only way to inspire is through bullying, insulting, demeaning, criticizing, and anger, are done. There can be no tolerance of this type of hostile environment anymore. Your purpose is to change this mindset and create an environment that lifts people up rather than tearing them down. This is what leaders do, this is the legacy that should define you as a chef.

[]       Like a parent, the way that you make a difference is through encouraging, pushing just enough, pulling a little bit more, demonstrating how to improve rather than pointing out how others have failed, using mistakes as a teaching moment, and when things go well (no matter how small or large the accomplishment), CELEBRATE with a smile, pat on the back, handshake, nod, or a simple “great job!” Your cooks will remember and relish that simple gesture just like a child does when a parent says – “WOW that’s fantastic!” An accomplished chef is known when their former cooks tell the world how much they enjoyed working with him or her.

[]       Your purpose will become very evident when after years in the position you can look across your town, your state, your region, or the country and point to several former cooks who now leader their own team of professionals who look up to them because they are teachers, trainers, mentors, and coaches who work consistently to help them succeed.

I have enjoyed a very rewarding career and have succumbed at times to the personal joy of being recognized. I also own several failures that fell on my shoulders. It took some time until I realized that helping those around me to improve and enjoy what they do; to see that twinkle in their eyes when they understood something new or mastered a skill; and to watch them step out on their own and make a difference was what I was meant to do. When this happens then success is measurable and, those failures are less evident because a well-coached team doesn’t allow them to happen.

THIS IS YOUR PURPOSE

PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER

Harvest America Ventures, LLC

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