I cannot count how many times I have encountered young culinarians with level 2 and 3 certification who are not as polished and adept as they should be in basic skills such as: proper knife skills, identifying products, equipment use, HACCP and general cooking methods. Everybody is a chef these days and who can blame them?. After all we are living in the age of the internet where now more than ever we have information at our fingertips and are seeing an explosion of online culinary programs and mass certification.
I pause to think with such rapid progress, how do we factor in the credibility of information sources, and more importantly I will future culinary talent, learn the building blocks of a successful career in the field?
Here are 4 fundamental values and attributes to enhance a rewarding culinary career learnt from my failures and successes:
1.Exercise Humility (Often)
Humble calf still drinks the most milk- this fundamental attribute stops your mouth from writing cheques you can’t cash. It speeds up how well your brain assimilates and executes information received over longer periods of time under pressure. Honing this trait makes decision makers more at ease when it’s time to give you a seat at the big table.
It also helps to you to develop listening skills which positively contributes to personnel management and problem-solving skills. Humility allows you to overachieve because you don’t develop the art of using ego, bravado, and self-importance to over promise what you can’t deliver. Be humble, take things in stride, respect your job, and remember to have fun.
2.Do Your Research
Read material from credible sources published by culinary schools or professionals of notoriety all the time, any chance you get-learning is forever and never stops. I have been a subscriber and avid reader of Prochef Smart Brief Pro Chef Smart Brief Signup , published by the Culinary Institute of America for years and this has been tremendously pivotal in my culinary career.
Pick a topic relevant to your development, gather knowledge and make notes. Focus on the true essence/culture of a dish history and origin. Research creates a treasure trove of information within the consciousness just waiting to be unleashed and provides clarity when making culinary decisions.
3.Partake in Mentorship
Truth be told not all chefs are created equal, the successful ones have not only undergone extensive training before they fully mastered the art of cooking food but have leveraged mentorship. Forget what everyone has ever told you, a mentor isn’t your savior—you’re the hero of your own life journey, nor is a mentor necessarily your friend, although they can be.
Your mentor’s main job is to help you set a big and audacious goal for your life and hold you accountable for making it happen.
Without someone who asks you the hard questions or calls you out when you deliver less than your best effort, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Choose the right mentor for the areas you require development in.
The biggest misconception I have come across is-your mentor has to be older than you or have some notoriety or wealth. Do not get me wrong, yes mentors must have experience and knowledge that is helpful in the area you want to grow and develop but they do not have to experts in everything. Chances are they too, are continuously learning as well, your choice of a mentor should be based on the level of respect they command from their peers, and you.
4.Know Your Numbers
Numbers don’t lie and a key aspect of culinary studies (often ignored) is understanding profit margins, break even analysis and cashflows. Like all other skills related to the profession, make a conscious effort, early in the career to understand them. Start from the basics; unit conversation, yield, loss percentages, costing and price simulations to name a few. Your computer literacy skills and proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Office Suite should also be developed actively, trust me you are going to need them.
An appreciation for marketing and sales will make you stand out from being just another culinary professional to commanding a seat at the executive table. Your personal brand and potential will be unlocked, ushering a new level of drive and focus on food service operation. You will not only be valued for creating amazingly delicious treats but implement standard operating procedures, negotiating salaries and effectively having fruitful conversations with senior managers for a sustainable business.
5.Network Wisely
The concept of networking is not new to our Jamaican culture. Our” linkie” represent an avenue of opportunities, having them isn’t inadvertently bad, not having the right ones for the right purpose is. Join an association or simply become more sociable for the sole purpose of connecting with likeminded individuals who can build your brand. Build a solid network by being genuine about your purpose, go for quality not quantity and everyone doesn’t have to be your friend.
I have and still maintain within my own network, persons with; nasty attitudes, huge egos and less than desirable personal traits however they possess the knowledge I needed for my professional and personal development.
Some of these “networks” didn’t even know they mentored me in key areas of management and leadership showing me what not to do just by how poorly they conducted themselves. Building your network is not only confined on a local level, why not expand globally?. Your networks should be positioned well in their field and amongst their peers to effectively allow you to grow and succeed not only in your professional career but personal as well. Keep a healthy mix of persons on all levels from different business sectors. People need to know your potential to vouch for your abilities, mindset and attitude at some point in this field.
In Closing
Too many people fall far short of their potential. To avoid being one of them, find your talent, make good decisions, take smart risks, keep your drive alive, and then prudently manage your career. These five building blocks will give you the foundation you need for success – not only in work, but in life.A lot of people under-optimize their career potential because they let others make their job decisions, are too slow in changing positions, and don’t align their strengths and motivating values with their career paths. Managing your career success requires that you excel at your current job, prioritize learning and personal growth, and use solid judgment when it’s time for a change.
Yaad Chef Consultancy is a culinary consultancy that focuses on building sustainability within the food service sector by providing access to research coupled with practical knowledge in helping businesses and professionals within food service accomplish their goals. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @yaadchefconsultancy
