Recently on Facebook, I stumbled upon this picture and started to do one of those head down chuckles to myself. Why did I do that? Because we are moving beyond this type of shitty idea and knowing our health, both mental and physical, is of the highest importance! But if these ideas are being floated around still, we have to make sure we do our part to change the narrative.  

What I wanted to address specifically is the first part of this quote and why it doesn’t make sense to me. 

‘No Matter How You Feel...’

It 100% matters how you feel, remember that. There are so many things asked of us in any given shift/service, that if one of the crew seems off and needs to talk about it there should always be an outlet for them. In our world discipline is key, from getting the food and drink to be as exceptional for each guest in the allotted time is no easy task and doing that day in and day out as a chosen profession seems like the only ones who enjoy doing it must be mad!

Of course, you have to work hard in this profession because in my mind success does take into account showing up, working hard and having determination. What we do is always performance-based and everything that leaves the pass should be better each time. We grow, together; and there’s a saying I've heard all too often “Teamwork makes the dreamwork” and I get it sounds corny as all hell, but there’s a lot of truth in those words. We gotta be there for one another and when that happens everyone is better for it. 

Growing in this industry means it’s so important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically, as well as taking care of those around us. I continually say we are not robots on the line or behind the wood. We go through struggles, achievements, highs and lows. In an industry in which we are always being judged by what is placed on the table, our feelings, mental and physical health should be considered for the betterment of our performance. That makes sense now, doesn’t it?

For me, the best Chefs I’ve had are the ones that discipline through communication and understanding. It’s helped mould me into the leader in the kitchen I strive to be each and every day to help grow the team around me and myself as well. 

Listen to your teammates if it’s being asked. Be understanding if someone’s having a shitty day and could use a hand. I love seeing when the crew is there for one another and positive vibes all around will always yield positive results. 

Have a good service.