Tired of being told you have a big ego?

[Jim]

Why do no-foodies have the annoying habit of consistently telling me I have a big ego? Does this habit fall into the same category as assuming all chefs throw things and yell at everybody?
I just came out of a meeting with my contract administrator and he said something like "we know you have a big ego, but we'll work around it."
I don't walk around the kitchen acting like I can 'do no wrong'. Nor do I talk down to anyone. I have admitted mistakes and defended other staff members in need. It seems like the other chefs I talk to get the same 'ribbing' from other people. What gives? If we pull off a good meal, we can't 'high five'?? We can't relish in the warmth of a job well done?
Well, I'm ranting... but don't we spend as much time in school and interning as a Doctor!!
Any thoughts?

[Chef David Simpson]

Man, you got that right! I know my ego gets me in trouble sometimes. It's that thing when "I'm right and your wrong" is torn apart by a chef that's been in the industry 50 years longer then I have. Not knowing that he's a master and I'm just a go-for in his eyes. Now that I'm in charge of my career and I don't have to answer to any body, I see now, that I should have been a little more humble instead of cocky and condesending twords the "cheif" and manegement.

Do you guys remember the two French Chefs that Bugs Bunny tricks into letting him cook them.

Those two cartoon characters are my heroes when it comes to chefs Ego.

I'm the best! NO! I'm the best! NOO! I'm the best!.

We have to have EGO. How could you control those young chefs, that are just like you were when you were younger, if you didn't think, or at least have the attitude, that you know everything about the cuisine of your kitchen.

Even though the servers complain about your ego, what kind of confidence would they have in serving your food if in the back of their mind they didn't think you may be as good as you think you are (or at least pretend to be).

[momoreg]

That may hold some truth. But the fact is, the servers who think you have an ego problem are generally the dummies who need to get set straight. It has less to do with ego than it does with making sure things go out the way they are supposed to.

Do you guys remember the two French Chefs that Bugs Bunny tricks into letting him cook them.

Those two cartoon characters are my heroes when it comes to chefs Ego.

I'm the best! NO! I'm the best! NOO! I'm the best!.

We have to have EGO. How could you control those young chefs, that are just like you were when you were younger, if you didn't think, or at least have the attitude, that you know everything about the cuisine of your kitchen.

Even though the servers complain about your ego, what kind of confidence would they have in serving your food if in the back of their mind they didn't think you may be as good as you think you are (or at least pretend to be).

[shroomgirl]

I end up with that attitude running the market....many don't understand I have to look out for the city's interest, the total farmers involved as well as the chefs coming in to work. I ask for tons of feedback from all over (different mkt. masters, other farmers, loads of friends that run businesses) when I desiminate the information and come up with a "rule" there are many that want to question it in their context....EGO sure, I'm where the buck stops and I'm the one responsible for having it up and running with a high quality.....

Same runs with my work, I've run in to this also with volunter groups, I've found it best to understand what they want from me,

If I lead I lead, if I'm part of a group I do my portion and follow, But when I'm in charge of a kitchen that's all she wrote, follow or get out....

[Isa]

Sometime people confuse self-confidence with arrogance, vanity and big ego…

[shroomgirl]

many times a fine line between them~ though sometimes NOT!!!!

When teaching the only goal I have is for my student to feel comfortable with whatever we're making. Lose inhabitions and start cooking. It's self confidence and sharing...

THEN there are the situations where I'm part of a group and there is no "leader" that's where I crawfish out....there is usually no cohesive direction or theme, I find it way to frustrating....the end product usually shows the process.

Ego is probably when I don't feel I have time to explain the whys...just do as I ask please....and then come back to me if you still need to know.

Competition~oh my how I thrived on it as a child. I still get a kick out of winning mah jong or cribbage. Not so much in the kitchen anymore.... Those I play with get and give respectively and it's not really competitive.
Each has his own style and are on comparable ground.

Rambling sorry, it's just come up alot in the last year and I had to do some introspective diving...

[Live_to_cook]

I've been told I have a big ego... but why should I listen to the silly squeaks of little people?

[shroomgirl]

LOL~

I've been told I have a big ego by a chef who does have a big ego.... wonder what that means...

I dont have a big ego, I'm perfect....now get out of my kitchen.

Sometimes you have to take a step back and say "It's not arrogance, It's confidence"

And hope you don't have a smart-'donkey' in your kitchen to tell you "It's Bull...."

I try not to have an attitude, but when people try to push me around only because they think they can get away with it, I stand firm. Explanations will be given if and when I see necessary.

Ego? No. Attitude? You bet! Can you blame a 5 ft, tough, kitchen chick for having a little attitude?

[shroomgirl]

I'm in the midst of reading Soul of a Chef....and realize it's OK to have a strong ego. It's when ego becomes ******* that deliniates "okness"
Great BOOK Michael Ruhlman wrote it and it is incredible you guys won't put it down either.

[Nick.Shu]

its quite funny that you guys should say that, because i actually had a kitchenhand who presented me with a t shirt with "APOS" written in big letters on the front. APOS stood for "Arrogant piece of S".

Later on i sat him down and said, "i absolutely love the shirt, yes i can be that way sometimes. But just remember who you ask for guidance and advice if things arent going right".

Wear that t shirt going out and stuff.