What’s your idea of a smooth-running kitchen? For us, it’s one where the team is in sync and communication flows like a well-oiled machine. And top chefs in the business agree. “Clear communication is key to the success of any operation,” says Chef Einav Gefen, SVP Chef Innovator at Restaurant Associates. “In the kitchen, where stress is already high, we can't afford for communication to break down.”
Good communication in the kitchen can make all the difference between a calm shift and a chaotic one. This includes communication on various levels – whether that’s sharing menu changes or simply ensuring everyone understands what they need to do.
We asked top chefs for their best tips on keeping kitchen communication sharp, and they didn’t hold back. Ready to hear their advice? Let’s dive in.
Be Clear About Goals and Expectations
When you're laying out your goals and expectations, avoid any vagueness – be direct so your team knows exactly what needs to get done. “Without transparent communication, you can’t create an environment in which everyone knows what’s expected of them or how to achieve it,” says Candice Adams, Academic Operations Manager, Capsicum Culinary Studio.
She adds: “It’s important to help staff understand the role that they play in achieving business goals. This comes from building strong relationships with them. When a team understands each other, you can better decide instructions and predict reactions.”
Set the Right Tone
Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking openly and honestly. Iliana de la Vega, James Beard Foundation Award Winner and Chef, El Naranjo Austin, emphasizes the importance of having regular chats with your team: “Sometimes with everyone together, other times with individuals. This could be about work, but also about themselves and their lives. Open communication is key to setting goals and expectations.”
Antagonizing your team is counterproductive, according to Paul Pelt, Executive Sous Chef at Miriam’s Kitchen, a non-profit organization working to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. “Some chefs think that it’s okay to raise your voice and act out in a kitchen environment to gain respect and authority. This often creates an unpleasant work environment where the team won’t open up and don’t feel heard. Taking the time to talk openly about menu changes, shifts and orders creates a more productive and positive environment for all.”
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues
Non-verbal communication can be just as impactful as what you say with words. “Facial expressions can have a significant impact on others’ perception of you,” says Dina Altieri
Director of Educational and Training, Catalyst Kitchens. “Set the tone with a smile and reflect positivity in your movements.”
Remember That Respect Works Better Than Rage
When there’s mutual respect in the workplace, everything runs smoother – even under pressure. “My secret ingredient for communication: always show respect and treat your team as equals,” says Warren Frantz, executive chef and Food Operations Manager, uShaka Marine World.
Allison Burnham, chef and owner at vegan fast food concept Plant Lyfe and vegan bakeshop Coconut Baby in Barbados, believes autonomy and respect help her chefs work as a united team. “You don't have to be friends, but you do have to work together to get the job done to the best of your ability because it reflects in what we serve.”
Jametta Raspberry, Executive Chef at Eat for Equity, thinks too many chefs are used to working in high-volume, fast-paced, chaotic environments, where respect is overlooked. “It’s difficult to produce great dishes when you’re stressed. Next time someone is struggling with a task, why not ask them, ‘Hey, can I help you?’ or see what they need to do better, to help them succeed,” he suggests.
Keep Conversations Confidential
Confidentiality is key – keeping all conversations private helps build trust and respect within the team. “Most people’s perception of a chef is very standoffish, very shouty. We wouldn’t dare approach the chef with our issues,” says Mark Reynolds, National Vice Chairman, Craft Guild of Chefs and Executive Chef, Tottenham Hotspur FC. “When I came to Tottenham it was very important that I change that perception. My door is open to anybody who works in the building. They can talk about what they want. What’s said in my office stays within those four walls.”
Invite Collaboration
Great things happen in the kitchen when everyone brings their unique perspective to the table. That’s why Dario Morillo, executive chef at The Hungry Lion hospitality consulting firm in Miami, Florida, thinks participation is key. “Try to mentor people. Include them in every aspect of dialogue and change in the kitchen. You get a better response from people when they’re involved in what’s happening around them.”
Be Inclusive
Understanding and valuing our differences is essential in the kitchen. As Chef Erika Durham, Restaurant Consultant and Project Lead at Urban Juncture points out: “People can downplay inclusivity, saying we’re all the same. We do have commonalities and those are important, but we come from different places and our cultures are different. Once we realize this, we can do the work to learn about each other and be able to appreciate those differences.”
Be Mindful of Language Barriers
Clear communication is crucial, especially when working with team members for whom English isn't a first language. “When giving feedback, try using the word ‘correct’ or ‘good’ as these are some of the first words learned in English, so they will catch on to what you’re saying more quickly,” advises Rachael Nemeth, CEO & Co-Founder of Opus.
“Ask questions differently too. For example, you could ask ‘was your day good or not good?’. Closing up the question like this gives your team permission to say that their day wasn’t so good. That leads to a healthy dialogue. This works for your team that does speak English as a first language too!”
Understand That Smooth Communication Takes Time
Establishing good communication practices takes patience and a bit of effort to perfect. “The best way to create a nurturing environment at work is to acknowledge your team’s importance beyond their role,” says Naama Tamir, co-owner at Lighthouse. “Open communication, especially with non-communicators, is built over time. To encourage your team to open up, it helps to share parts of yourself and show interest in the people you work with.”
Get Everyone on the Same Page
For John Winterman, Owner-Operator, Francie, group training sessions are a great way to help people feel heard. “When we change any policies, we organize a group training session to support it,” says Winterman. “This allows the entire team to come together to understand the changes while also allowing them to ask questions. This strengthens the team because they realize we’re all in the same boat and have the same concerns about change.”
Share Meals Together
Try to carve out time for the team to bond and really get to know each other. “We make sure every meal period is mixed, so front-of-house sit down with back-of-house,” says Chef and restaurateur Chris Galvin, co-owner of Galvin Restaurants. “We share lunches and dinners, and in that time, we get to learn more about each other. We have staff parties together. We work and we laugh together.”
Motivate Your Team with Intentional Feedback
Mastering the art of giving valuable feedback is an essential skill. It’s important to offer feedback not only when constructive advice is needed, but also to recognize and appreciate a job well done. “I've learned if you approach people only when they’re doing something wrong, every time they see you, or hear your voice, they think it’s because you have something negative to say,” says Dina Altieri.
Nicholas van der Walt, Senior Lecturer, FBI Chef School and Patisserie Academy, believes that it’s vital to create a safe environment for sharing feedback: “I give clear feedback but in a casual environment. We don’t set up an office space and have meetings because that makes people stressed. We call them feedback sessions.”
Always Be Compassionate
“Have compassion in mind when giving feedback,” advises Andrew Dunne
Group executive chef, Virtue Integrated Elder Care. “Make sure that you are always mindful that some members of the team may be having a bad day and think of the way you would like to be approached. It is important to engage with the individual privately and explain what is expected in this situation and allow them to express why they feel the issue has come up. It helps to give them options for resolving the issues and a timeframe that is achievable to correct an issue. Always exit the situation with a positive vibe.”
Not sure where to start? Download our Compassionate Feedback Checklist.
The Bottom Line
Good communication is the secret sauce to a happy, productive kitchen. It’s all about being mindful of how we connect with our teams – whether it’s listening with empathy, giving kind feedback, or working towards shared goals. When communication becomes a priority, everyone feels comfortable joining in.
Read next: How To Give Feedback and Promote Growth in Hospitality
