I've met and worked with many chefs and managers throughout the years. With a few exceptions, they can be divided into just two categories that I was taught many years ago by a wise sage. Those two categories are: leader or manager.
What's the difference, you may ask? The difference between happy and motivated employees, or grumpy, mindless zombies. Here's how you can tell the difference:
A leader motivates, a manager threatens.
A leader raises up the weakest links, a manager weeds them out.
A leader focuses on problem-solving, a manager assigns blame.
A leader praises hard work, a manager demands it.
A leader accepts praise for the team, a manager grabs it for himself.
A leader works more hours than their charges, a manager scoots at the first sign of a break.
A leader spends 99% of their time on the floor, a manager spends 50% in the office getting the paperwork done early.
A leader gives praise in public and condemnation in private. A manager the opposite.
A leader leaves his private life at home, a manager lives it at work.
Which was I? I fought hard to be a leader. Leaders are looked at with fear by chain restaurants. They are thought to be Mavericks, totally unpromotable and unpredictable. Managers are rewarded with many opportunities. Am I bitter? Yes. Do I have regrets? No. Ummmmm....yes. I wish I had never wasted my time with chain restaurants.
Now, this may seem like sour grapes to some readers, but it's really not. If I can help someone avoid the mistakes I made, it will be worth it. If it makes a manager or two look at themselves in the mirror differently, it will be worth it. If I make a server's ( or dishwasher's, or hostess's, or busser's, or line cook's, etc.) day a little lighter....you get the idea.
Are you a leader or a manager?
Just remember to treat your friendly, neighborhood salesman nicely. He might have been in your shoes once. And he (or she) might be more help than you ever imagined.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I have definitely worked for both! I also have a feeling you balanced it just right as a manager and a leader.
Post a Comment