Chefs: 6 Tips for Managing Your Team During the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the most exciting yet demanding times in the culinary world. Kitchens come alive with festive menus, busy service hours, and a level of energy that can be exhausting. But it’s also a period of immense responsibility for chefs—not just for preparing holiday fare, but also for leading and supporting their teams through the chaos.
As the saying goes, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." This sentiment rings especially true in the culinary world, where a chef’s leadership can make or break the success of the season.
Here, then, are a few tips for how to keep your team motivated and organized while navigating the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
1. Communicate the Vision Early
When the pressure is high, clarity is your best tool. Start the season by clearly outlining the game plan. By aligning your team with the overarching goals, you create a unified approach to what can often feel like a chaotic period.
Holiday Menu Kickoff: Host a meeting to introduce new dishes, holiday specials, and any tweaks to standard processes. Get everyone on the same page early to avoid surprises during service.
Daily Briefs: Keep the momentum going with short pre-shift meetings. Use these to set the tone, review goals, and address questions.
Open Dialogue: Encourage team members to voice concerns or suggestions. When your team feels heard, they’ll be more invested in the outcome.
2. Lean on the Team's Strengths
“Good chefs focus on the plate; great chefs focus on the people.” This quote from Cate Smith, VP of Culinary & Brand at Meriweather Godsey, encapsulates the importance of leveraging your team’s talents. Delegation isn’t just about dividing work—it’s about building a team that thrives under pressure.
Play to Their Strengths: Know your team’s capabilities and assign tasks that align with their skills. For instance, let your creative sous chef handle plating while your detail-oriented cook oversees inventory checks.
Foster Independence: Trust your team to take ownership of their roles. A confident and empowered team can manage the unpredictable that is part of the season.
3. Celebrate Wins Along the Way
When service gets hectic, it’s easy to overlook the incredible work happening in the kitchen. Make time to celebrate the small victories. Morale isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. A happy team will work harder, collaborate better, and enjoy the season more
Call Out Excellence: Whether it’s a perfectly cooked roast or seamless teamwork during a busy service, let your team know their efforts are noticed.
Festive Rewards: Consider small tokens of appreciation, such as holiday treats, gift cards, or a round of applause at the end of a shift.
Create Joyful Moments: Decorate the kitchen or play festive music during prep to inject some cheer into the hard work and hustle.
4. Prioritize Self-Care (For You and Your Team)
The holiday grind is notorious for leading to burnout. As a leader, it’s crucial to ensure that both you and your team are taking care of yourselves. And remember, when you prioritize wellness, your team follows suit.
Mandatory Breaks: Schedule short breaks during shifts to let everyone recharge. Even a quick pause can help reduce stress.
Supportive Environment: Encourage open conversations about stress or fatigue. Your team should feel comfortable coming to you with their challenges.
Lead by Example: Show your team that self-care is important by practicing it yourself. Step back for a moment when you need to, and they’ll feel encouraged to do the same.
5. Stay Calm and Lead by Example
Chefs are often the heartbeat of a kitchen. If you’re stressed, it will ripple through your team. If you’re calm and composed, your team will mirror that energy.
Plan for the Unexpected: Be ready for last-minute challenges, whether it’s an ingredient shortage or a surprise booking. A well-prepared leader inspires confidence in the team.
Resolve Conflicts Quickly: In the high-stress environment of the holidays, tensions can run high. Address issues promptly to keep the atmosphere positive.
Show Gratitude: A simple “thank you” at the end of a shift can go a long way. Gratitude fosters loyalty and keeps spirits high.
6. Reflect and Reset for the New Year
Once the last holiday service has wrapped, take time to reflect on the season with your team.
Team Feedback: Hold a post-season meeting to discuss what went well and what could improve. This shows your team you value their input and helps you refine your approach for next year.
Celebrate Together: If possible, organize a small celebration to thank your team for their hard work. It’s a meaningful way to close the season on a high note.
The Most Wonderful, and Busiest, Time of Year
The holidays might be the busiest time of year, but they’re also an opportunity to shine as a leader. By focusing on communication, delegation, and team morale, you can transform a stressful season into a rewarding experience for everyone in the kitchen.
As you head into the holiday rush, remember the words of Morrison Healthcare Food Services’ Karl Sukley’s: “It all starts with the food, but following our food philosophy is only possible when we work together.” Support your team, celebrate the wins, and lead with empathy. The result will be more than just great meals—it will be a stronger, more united team ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Happy holidays, Chefs!
