Three Ways to Create a Healthy Work Environment for Young Chefs

Running a kitchen can feel like the ultimate test of leadership, especially as the industry has changed in a post-pandemic world. Many chefs are feeling the shift from the kitchens we grew up in, which were often a mix of verbal intensity and hierarchical stereotypes at work.  

While hierarchy in the kitchen should be maintained and respected, the days of someone not having a say because of their rank are gone. Young chefs value the opportunity to provide feedback and feel like their voice is heard. As a leader, you can’t know what your team is going through at all times, but you can provide an environment where communication and respect are mutual.

I base my leadership philosophy on a quote from Lil Wayne: “Real g’s move in silence like lasagna" To me, this means that if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk with your actions. Don’t just talk about how to lead, lead by example. If I say that chefs should create kitchens that have open and respectful communication channels, I better be doing the same thing in my kitchen too. Below are three ways that chefs can create a healthy and respectful kitchen environment for their younger staff: 

1. Utilize Situational Leadership in Every Situation

Situational leadership in practice is making the best decision for what the moment calls for and being able to read the room. Some days your team is going to be super high energy and other days the kitchen may feel a little slow. Pay attention to what the vibes are and base your responses on what your staff needs at that moment, not your gut reaction.

This also means taking a step back and practicing empathy. Understand how your crew likes to be coached or managed and act accordingly. Lead them the way they want to be led. This can be accomplished through setting up quick one on one chats and intentional observation to know your people better on an individual level.

2. Practice Patience and Leverage Expectations

All of us have made mistakes along the way that have taught us lessons and shaped us into the leaders we are today. Pause and put yourself back in the shoes of your younger employees. Have patience when they make mistakes. These should be opportunities for both parties to learn and move forward in a collaborative manner rather than pressure points that boil over.

3. Take Care of Your Staff as People First 

No matter what your industry, the most important way to create a safe work environment with open communication is to take care of your staff as people first. The more time you spend caring and developing someone’s growth, the more it will benefit your team long term. In my experience, it has even led to a chain reaction with senior team members following by example and creating a strong team that feels like a family both in and outside the kitchen.