The Bear — S1E4 — Leadership Lessons on the Power of Persistence

Note: Spoilers ahead for S1E4 of The Bear.

This is part of a series — start here for the first one: https://medium.com/@lisasansom/leadership-and-team-observations-from-watching-the-bear-b04c69d5d912

In the bustling kitchen of “The Bear,” the power of persistence emerges as a guiding force, steering the characters toward professional growth and collective success. In S1E4, we witness the journey of two key players — Marcus, the aspiring baker with an emerging passion for creating delectable desserts, and Sydney, the determined sous chef early in her leadership role and striving to build connections and a well-functioning team. Through the lens of Marcus’s baking endeavours and Sydney’s leadership, we witness the transformative influence of persistence.

Task Persistence

Marcus’s baking enthusiasm was ignited in previous episodes, and he has shared it with both Carmy and Sydney. With their permission, he has been able to hone his craft through the study of other baked goods (cakes and donuts, as we see in this episode) and through experimentation. He diligently works on new techniques, ultimately deciding that he wants to create a unique limited-edition donut for The Original Beef. Sydney, in her new leadership role, agrees and we see him researching and baking, over and over and over again. Clearly, he is extremely engaged not only in work, but also in this new direction.

Relationship Persistence

Sydney shows her persistence in a different way, by continuing to work on a building a strong relationship with Tina, who has been not only resistant but entirely antagonistic towards Sydney since the first day that she arrived. Sydney has continued to show herself to be capable, not only in the kitchen, but in trying to relate to Tina by speaking Spanish and trying to get to know her and relate on many different levels, as people and as colleagues. Tina, however, has continued to put up walls. In this episode, however, the tables turn as Tina become overwhelmed, making mistakes in the kitchen, and Sydney is the one to save her. Later, when Tina needs Sydney, as the Sous-Chef, to taste the potatoes, Tina steels herself for a lashing. Sydney, however, says that they are good and calls Tina “Chef”. We see Tina smile proudly to herself as she walks away. There is a sense that Tina is getting on board with the new leadership and new standards.

Leadership Lessons

Ultimately, leaders can learn a great deal about how and when to persist from these two examples.

· It is important for leaders to encourage employees to find their passions and interests in the workplace. When employees develop a sense of flow and mastery, especially in tasks where they have autonomy, they are more likely to be engaged in their work overall. Marcus does ask permission to pursue his baking, and both Carmy and Sydney encourage him and see the overall benefits for the restaurant in his pursuit.

· Sydney is an exemplar of persistence in change leadership. She continues to be professional and present, always interacting with Tina in a respectful, encouraging way. Sydney continues to uphold the new standards and processes, and also believes in Tina’s abilities to make it work. With a positive vision in mind, Sydney continues to strive forward, engaging individually in the ways that others need it, so they can also move forward — even if it takes them a little longer.

· Finally, persistence and constant efforts can lead to stronger relationships and mutual respect. With consistency from leadership, employees come to know what to expect, and this sense of stability can be a strong foundation from which to grow together.

Leaders, take note: persistence is a multipurpose tool in your leadership box. With a positive vision, you can encourage your team’s passions, persist in implementing positive change, and steadfastly build relationships. The journey may be challenging, but as “The Bear” illustrates, the results are well worth the effort. Persistence is not just a virtue but a catalyst for success in the complex world of the culinary arts and beyond.

How will you harness the power of persistence in your leadership?