I've been the sous chef for 4years at a private club. The Executive Chef got fired and the GM called me in the same day ( my day off) to tell me what happened and that he's bringing someone else in from the outside to fill the position. Im shocked and obviously pissed! I've gotten stellar reviews and the backing of both FOB and BOH staff. I just don't get it..... Help...
That does suck, but it happens regularly. The chef quits (or gets fired) and management decide that they want some "new blood" in the kitchen. Have you ever spoken to the GM about your goals and plans? Have you ever let him know that you would be interested in moving up, if something ever becomes available? If you haven't, you need to have that conversation and let him know that you would like the opportunity to move up rather than leave when you are ready to take control of your own kitchen. Then ask him if there is something that you need to do (or show him) to prove that you are ready for that position.
@Pete pretty much nailed it. Higher ups can't possibly know what's in your head (your goals and aspirations) until you express them. What might seem obvious to you, doesn't necessarily mean anyone else sees it.
In studies of people that interview and hire people as their job, one of biggest mistakes people make when interviewing for a job is that when getting ready to make their exit from the interview, they don't make it very clear to the interviewer, their desire to have the job. This leaves a the interviewer with nebulous feelings. In this case, you weren't even interviewing, so your chances at an impression were even less than nebulous.
Don't get mad or disgruntled. Accept your part in this particular episode. Go in and have a conversation with the GM about what just happened and let him in on what your goals and aspirations are. You might find out that he is stunned, had no idea, and is sorry that he didn't know.
If the GM didn't even consider you, I'm going to assume he or she didn't explain the Chefs firing.. I'd call for a meeting to see why your superior was terminated so abruptly. Just me, but i'd make sure the Chef didn't throw you
under the bus on the way out.
Actually, it was one of the first things I said when I said that the management may want some "new blood" in the kitchen, although I guess I didn't elaborate, but your thoughts clarified what I meant. This can be especially true if the Sous chef came up underneath the chef that was fired. Management's thoughts are often that the Sous will just continue to do things the way the old chef did, so unless you have a few other Sous chef positions under your belt, there might be a bias that things will just continue the way they were.
If the GM didn't even consider you, I'm going to assume he or she didn't explain the Chefs firing.. I'd call for a meeting to see why your superior was terminated so abruptly. Just me, but i'd make sure the Chef didn't throw you
under the bus on the way out.
My opinion of myself is much higher than other people view me. I guess that means I know me. I think you might ask the GM what he/she sees different in you than you see. If the GM wants change, then why is it he/she would think it's a good idea for you to be involved in the new change. There is nothing wrong with cheerleading for yourself. You can't make them change their mind, but, you can ask why not me.......Good Luck.......ChefBillyB
I remember when the owners of the restaurant in at fired the old head chef, they called me and I didn't give them a choice but to promote me. As soon as they said he was leaving and changes were going to be made I said imma run this kitchen and it's gonna be great and imma go there right now to talk to the other cooks and let em all know I'm in charge
Owners were like ok...but I've been great and haven't gave them a chance to have regret. I don't know if that was always their plan or if they were going to have interviews or what.
This goes back to other advice if expressing your goals and dreams and hopes and if you ain't reaching them There you will elsewhere
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