A good cook, handle any station -- including plonge, not need to be told who and when to help out, keep out of the way, prep monster, show up on time, stay 'til it's over, no excuses, accept responsibility, not dwell on the past, not wilt under pressure, be me when I'm not there, ask questions, write messages down and not let me forget them, remind me of anything important I've obviously forgotten, not make too many suggestions nor otherwise make me homicidal and/or suicidal, make and bring the coffee, occasionally buy the beer.
Stay connected with the menu. Suggest new dishes when it gets stale. If there are issues with the food, I want to hear them first from you and/or FOH, and NOT from the owners.
If there are things which need my attention, write them down. Call them to my attention when we shut down, and then again when we open. Keep your notes available so I can ask you again if I forget.
Know the pantry, walk in and freezer. Clean the pantry walk-in and freezer of stuff that's been around too long. Know the suppliers by their preferred names. Have their numbers in your phone or book (whichever you use). Be prepared to do the ordering if I'm gone for a week.
Have everyone else in the kitchen on speed dial. Don't be afraid to call me.
Make sure everything is CLEAN. Clean it yourself if that means the least disruption to service.
Respect the staff. I understand that practical jokes are a part of the kitchen, but if you can't totally refrain keep them benign. No racist, sexist, or ethnic humor or remarks of any kind on the job. No unwanted sexual overtures. No religion, no politics on the job.
No rap. No speed metal. No soft jazz. No Christian rock.
Don't ever, ever go over my head -- not if you want to keep your teeth or your job. Understand that I've got severe ADD (which is more hyper-focus than distraction) and help me when I need it.
BDL