Watching Chef Gordon Ramsay, a fascination for many people over the years! He is a talented chef, businessman, family man, soccer player, and someone who truly loves food and the industry he represents. Ramsay is also a Restored Leader in that he is Responsive, Candid, Partners, and holds himself and others Accountable.
Watching some old re-runs of Kitchen Nightmares drew a new learning experience. It’s not about the business, but the relationships impacted by the businesses that relied on Ramsay’s advice and intervention.
Every episode is almost predictable, in that the restaurant is in trouble, so they contact Chef Ramsay, who arrives to find the food appalling and the owners in some level of denial. He then goes on to give them a reality check and they resist. Over the day, the owners reveal their backstory and make a turnaround and the restaurant re-launches, with some turbulence but eventually working out.
Watching Chef Ramsey when he starts to listen to the owners’ backstories, is when he truly stands out as Restored Leader. The ability to “Listen without Judging”, is perhaps the greatest talent anyone can have.
In an episode where Chef Ramsey heard the story of the burnt-out owner of “The Greek at the Harbor” restaurant, he placed himself in the position of the owner. He then began to see what happened and the rift between the owner and his son. He quickly realized that the way forward in bringing the restaurant back to life was the “heal the rift”.
Restored Leaders can look beyond themselves and listen effectively;
· See things from the other person’s point of view.
· Listening with the intent to understand
· Learning from past experiences and mistakes
“Heal the Rift” in your team and family and Be a Restored Leader!
Picture: Valeria Bolneva