You’re a culinary manager. What are the communication skills you need to succeed?

1 Verbal communication

Verbal communication is the ability to express yourself clearly and confidently using spoken words. As a culinary manager, you need to communicate verbally with different audiences, such as giving instructions to your chefs, explaining dishes to your customers, negotiating with your vendors, or reporting to your owners. To improve your verbal communication skills, you should practice speaking clearly and concisely, using appropriate tone and language, listening actively and attentively, and giving and receiving feedback constructively.

2 Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication is the ability to convey messages without using words, such as using body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and posture. As a culinary manager, you need to pay attention to your own and others' non-verbal cues, as they can enhance or contradict your verbal messages, affect your rapport and trust, and influence your mood and emotions. To improve your non-verbal communication skills, you should be aware of your body language and how it affects others, use positive and open gestures and expressions, maintain eye contact and smile, and avoid negative and closed signals.

3 Written communication

Written communication is the ability to communicate effectively using written words, such as emails, reports, menus, recipes, and invoices. As a culinary manager, you need to write clearly and professionally, using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format, to avoid misunderstandings, errors, and confusion. To improve your written communication skills, you should plan and organize your writing, use simple and direct language, proofread and edit your work, and use tools and templates to help you.

4 Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication is the ability to communicate well with others on a personal level, such as building relationships, resolving conflicts, collaborating, and influencing. As a culinary manager, you need to have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with your diverse team, your customers, and your suppliers, as well as to handle complaints, feedback, and requests. To improve your interpersonal communication skills, you should show respect and empathy, be assertive and respectful, use active listening and questioning, and adapt your style and approach to different situations and people.

5 Intercultural communication

Intercultural communication is the ability to communicate across different cultures, languages, backgrounds, and values. As a culinary manager, you need to be sensitive and respectful of the cultural diversity in your workplace, your customer base, and your supply chain, as well as to appreciate the benefits and challenges of working in a multicultural environment. To improve your intercultural communication skills, you should learn about different cultures and their norms, values, and preferences, avoid stereotypes and assumptions, use inclusive and respectful language, and seek feedback and clarification.

6 Digital communication

Digital communication is the ability to communicate effectively using various digital tools and platforms, such as social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, and online reviews. As a culinary manager, you need to leverage digital communication to promote your brand, engage your audience, share your expertise, and monitor your reputation. To improve your digital communication skills, you should choose the right tools and platforms for your purpose and audience, create relevant and engaging content, use visuals and multimedia, and respond to comments and reviews.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?