I recently pushed for promotions at both of my jobs. I got them both which was unexpected. I was offered kitchen manager positions at both jobs. One a high end, high volume, healthy cafe. The other a family owned inn on the line of fine dining and casual.
I ended up picking the latter due to money reasons and hopes I would learn more at a culinary level, weighed against learning the business of the cafe.
I am only 21, with about 6 years kitchen experience. I know I don't know everything and think everyone has something to teach me. I think my success in the kitchen rests in the fact that I am always trying to learn, and have learned something from everyone I have worked with. I started off at a deli when I was 15, ended up managing it at 18. Got a job at a real nice fine dining place where the chef took interest in teaching me because I was eager to learn and truly listened.
Anyway back to the advice I am looking for. I was promoted over certain people who feel like I was not the best person for the job. One is a line cook who has been a great help since he started, and honestly he has a better palette then I. He knows techniques for the type of cooking we are doing that I am still learning a lot from him. And I have told him this..(which I probably should not have. Went right to his ego.) he is older and has more experience but I was chosen for the job. Next up there is someone who has 37 years experience in The same kitchen.. Yes the kitchen we are currently working in. He doesn't show any resistance but it is real hard to tell someone how to do things when they have literally been doing it since before I was born... In that same kitchen. Next up, we hired the woman who was a kitchen manager when I first started as a prep/line cook. She acts like she is just there to help, but I have a feeling of their doubts.
I believe I got the job because I do know what I am doing, and have learned a lot. I keep a level head at all times and I can run a line. That's where i shine. But on a culinary level I know there are people better then me in my kitchen and recognize this. Because honestly I am still learning from them.
I apologize for the long post, but I guess what I need help with is that I feel like people are doubting me. I don't doubt myself, I know I can run this kitchen. But I feel the need to act superior to claim dominance of my kitchen, while this is not me. I still have the principals that I can learn from everyone even the dishwasher. But I want other people to recognize my authority without me having to be mean.
I ended up picking the latter due to money reasons and hopes I would learn more at a culinary level, weighed against learning the business of the cafe.
I am only 21, with about 6 years kitchen experience. I know I don't know everything and think everyone has something to teach me. I think my success in the kitchen rests in the fact that I am always trying to learn, and have learned something from everyone I have worked with. I started off at a deli when I was 15, ended up managing it at 18. Got a job at a real nice fine dining place where the chef took interest in teaching me because I was eager to learn and truly listened.
Anyway back to the advice I am looking for. I was promoted over certain people who feel like I was not the best person for the job. One is a line cook who has been a great help since he started, and honestly he has a better palette then I. He knows techniques for the type of cooking we are doing that I am still learning a lot from him. And I have told him this..(which I probably should not have. Went right to his ego.) he is older and has more experience but I was chosen for the job. Next up there is someone who has 37 years experience in The same kitchen.. Yes the kitchen we are currently working in. He doesn't show any resistance but it is real hard to tell someone how to do things when they have literally been doing it since before I was born... In that same kitchen. Next up, we hired the woman who was a kitchen manager when I first started as a prep/line cook. She acts like she is just there to help, but I have a feeling of their doubts.
I believe I got the job because I do know what I am doing, and have learned a lot. I keep a level head at all times and I can run a line. That's where i shine. But on a culinary level I know there are people better then me in my kitchen and recognize this. Because honestly I am still learning from them.
I apologize for the long post, but I guess what I need help with is that I feel like people are doubting me. I don't doubt myself, I know I can run this kitchen. But I feel the need to act superior to claim dominance of my kitchen, while this is not me. I still have the principals that I can learn from everyone even the dishwasher. But I want other people to recognize my authority without me having to be mean.