Your right! Our industry, it’s got its fair share of problems.  We’ve all seen chefs burn out & end up destroying their apprentices! This hotheaded passionate industry we’re in produces some outrageously brilliant & not so brilliant situations; there is no denying it.  It’s a freakin tough industry but there is a better way!
I’ve worked in kitchens with difficult workspaces; I’ve been taken advantage of, not been acknowledged & been discriminated against too. I very quickly learnt to come back with smart answers not befitting a lady when unwanted amorous suggestions were made!
I’m a Gen Y Gal through & through, you’ve probably worked out by now that I’d much rather be part of the solution than part of the problem! Leadership is challenging especially in today’s world where we actively seek out challenges & we’re not afraid to question authority.  Above all, we value teamwork and this industry only rolls smoothly when our teams are running at fully blast.
We’re part of a no one is left behind generation; we’re loyal, committed & want to be involved and included.
If your in charge of Gen Y’s, try mixing it up a bit and maybe not repeating history, you’ll be amazed at the results!
- Be brave! An old maxim, the truth hurts could apply. If you want to know about morale levels and how to motivate your people, ask them. You may or may not like the answers but knowledge gives you a place to start.
- Be clear! Provide your people with precise direction. When people have a strong understanding of results of their actions they are more energised.
- Build trust! Trust is a natural outgrowth of honesty and caring about your team. To grow trust, allow staff to openly express their feelings, provide appropriate feedback, practice supportive relationships, establish a climate of respect and demonstrate leadership by example.
- Staff involvement! When staff members are assertive, express their career goals and their training needs to manager and management listens, a partnership relationship can develop which improves morale.
- Empower your staff! Give staff the responsibility for whole projects. Reward people who take responsibility. Encourage risk-taking. Avoid excessive reliance by staff on you. Train subordinates to think critically and ask questions.
- Communicate constantly! Communication, involving feedback (both positive and negative), must be given at the time events are taking place.
- Lead By Example! Do what I say, not what I do is the quickest way to damage morale. Encourage people to excellence by practicing, Do what I do.
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7 Comments and Pings on FLYING THE FLAG FOR GEN Y CHEFS
Great post Anna,
I deal with lots of Gen Ys, they are demanding, believe they are entitled, care less about how they are perceived, hard headed and more. They care less about authority and are ready to make rash decisions without careful consideration.
I’m a late boomer and I’ll bet this was said about my generation also. Gen Y is just the latest of misunderstood generation that needs to adapt, conform, reform the way business is done.
Agree with you DJLouie, this is the newest generation to create change to better suit the new business environment. I love the practical tips on how to better manage Anna. Great post – its good to come on out and say it like it is. Well done.
Hey Anna,
Gen Y or not these are great tips for anybody to get more productivity from their staff. Working along side someone teaching, training and when needed offering critical advice is a sure way to develop strong team members and potential leaders of your organization. Do as I do goes much farther than do as I say. Sometimes the best place to be is in the trenches when it gets really wild.
.-= Don Enck´s last blog ..Is Customer Service A Lost Art =-.
Anna these are great tips! Gen Y’s may be misunderstood but work is work and respect for management only comes if the management gets their hands dirty alongside the staff. I like your style Anna keep up the good work ~_-
.-= Chef Vanda´s last blog ..Back To Basics – Hold It- Not That Far Back =-.
Gen Y needs to realise that the world does not revolve around them. I think it should revolve around me! But that aside, respect is respect, and if you give it out it will usually come back to you regardless of any generation gap.
.-= InTolerantChef´s last blog ..Sydney Good Food and Wine Show =-.
Hey Anna, Thanks for sharing this valuable post. This is a great message for Gen Ys to learn something. Being professional and learning how to respect others. More power to you. Great post.
.-= Jon Alfredsson´s last blog ..Cool Productivity Tool Keeps You Organized =-.
Hi Anna!
Just found your site through NQN! I’m a Gen Yer and I’ve worked in kitchens where I want to tear my hair out with the lethargy and downright numb-headedness of many of my coworkers…this post should be printed out, laminated and distributed throughout Sydney kitchens!
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