You're facing a hectic service in the kitchen. How can you uplift spirits during high-stress hours?

My answer is to maintain an accurate production level that will be definitely helpful for not having any stress even though it's so busy.

During busy times in the kitchen, emotions can run high. Staying calm is crucial because your composure influences your team. Use clear and concise communication to guide your staff and stay level-headed when problems come up. It's not just about handling stress—it's about being the steady presence that helps your team navigate the rush smoothly.

During a hectic service in the kitchen, it's essential to maintain a positive atmosphere. I focus on clear communication, acknowledging everyone's hard work, and injecting a bit of humor where appropriate to ease tension. Encouraging short, collective breaks when possible also helps everyone reset and stay energized for the rest of the shift

Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor in the kitchen during peak hours is essential for effective leadership. When the leader sets an example of composure and clear communication, it creates a ripple effect, fostering a more focused and productive environment for the entire team. It's a testament to the fact that true leadership isn't just about managing tasks, but also about managing emotions and inspiring confidence in those around you.

The most helpful thing you can do when it's busy or there's a high stress situation, is remain calm. I always remind my team, the busier we get, the more we take a second to breathe. We have to be able to think clearly. We're going to make the food. We're going to sell the checks. There's only so many seats in the restaurant. We just have think clearly, focus, and do things right the first time. I'd rather take 30 extra seconds to make right, then five extra minutes remaking it.

My favorite thing is making the team smile in the middle a busy service. I usually rewrite a song or saying that pops on my head, making it food related. We hold the tension. I don't know about you but I love my job, I love when it's busy, and thats how I show up.

In a high-stress environment, encouragement can make a big difference. Take time to recognize individual efforts with simple praise like “great job on that dish!” This builds a positive culture where compliments and positive reinforcement are regular. When staff feel valued and motivated, they’re more likely to work harder and maintain high standards.

Pre shifts are one of the most important parts of the shift. Sets the tone, expectations, allows us to remind the help how important communication is. That were here to support each other. When I know we're walking into a busy service I love reminding the team that days like this show us what were made of, what we can do.

Before things get busy, hold a quick pep talk with your team. Use this huddle to align everyone's focus, energize the group, and review the game plan. Highlight any special dishes and remind everyone of the goal: exceptional service. A united team is better equipped to handle the stress of a hectic kitchen, and these huddles help keep everyone connected and motivated.

Include brief moments of stress relief to prevent burnout. Simple actions like a quick stretch, a shared laugh, or deep breathing can reset the mind and body. Encourage your team to take these short breaks when possible to maintain their stamina and keep the kitchen’s energy from hitting a breaking point.

Introduce brief stress relief moments to avoid burnout. Quick stretches, shared laughs, or deep breaths can reset both mind and body. Encourage your team to take these short breaks to maintain their energy and prevent kitchen stress from becoming overwhelming.

Lastly, remember your team looks to you for guidance. Lead by example with resilience, passion, and a strong work ethic. By working alongside your team and solving problems together, you earn respect and motivate them to do the same. Your attitude is contagious, so spread positivity and determination to help your team tackle any service challenge.