Culinary
work takes a great deal of dedication, motivation, and passion. It also calls
for a comfort with teamwork and openness to training. It is not just about knowing how to cook well
or being a good cook. If you are able to answer the following questions you
might be able to know if you have what it takes to become a good Chef:
· Am I creative?
Creative
chefs can create amazing meals that people want to enjoy. They work to create
innovative recipes rather than copying the recipes from others. They are able
to take ingredients and use them in a unique way.
· Can I
lead?
Solid chefs are those who can lead their staff and the restaurant even
when they are not present. They teach and develop solid relationships within
the organization. They are able to command respect and manage even the most
hectic of rushes with a level head. This ultimately ensures the rest of the
staff can follow suit.
· Do I Have a Solid Sense of Taste and Smell?
A chef
that cannot create great tasting meals will not last long. In order to do this,
the chef needs to have a keen sense of taste and smell. This often means
ensuring that the food’s composition is enjoyable for those consuming it.
· Do I have good time management skills?
Just as
important are effective time management skills. Without these skills, the
individual may be unable to run a kitchen efficiency enough to have success.
These professionals must be able to time food preparation so that the dish can
come together effectively and all at the same time. This often includes meals
for an entire group rather than just one or two.
·
Can
I multi-task?
You
will often be required to do many things at once, so be prepared. As you will
learn, working in a kitchen is a fast-paced environment. It certainly helps if
you can keep up! The profession also requires an ability to act with a clear
head and in a decisive manner.
·
Am
I good at making split-second decisions?
Thinking
on your feet is a necessity when working in a kitchen, as there is always
something going on around you. In order to be fully functional, you’ll need to
be able to make decisions at the drop of a hat, and your decisions will have to
be the right ones.
·
Do
I handle criticism well?
As
a chef, you will almost certainly encounter people who will not like your
cooking and they will quite likely send their food back. It helps if you can
take such criticism in stride. In this profession the old saying is
definitely true: “The customer is always right.” Live by it.
· How is my business sense?
To be a good chef,
you must have a good grasp of the business dealings, especially if you someday
plan to be an executive chef or run your own establishment. Some aspects you’ll
need to know about: Dealing with shipments and stocking of food items, the
management of other employees, and the direct correspondence with the head
honcho or proprietor of the establishment.
· Am I people person?
Many people think
that being holed up in a kitchen all day doesn’t really require you to be in
much contact with the public, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.As
the chef, you will encounter many people during the course of your day. You
will be talking to delivery personnel, other employees, and often customers who
wish to speak to you either in a congratulatory or critical tone.
