As we find ourselves in the heart of another election season, it’s impossible to ignore the heightened emotions and the divisions that feel, at times, sharper than ever. As the season heats up, tension can impact our teams, our members, and the spaces we aim to keep welcoming. Yet, as leaders in these kitchens and clubhouses, we have an opportunity, and indeed, a responsibility, to remind ourselves and others of the importance of kindness.

In our industry, relationships are everything. The partnerships we create and the respect we build are essential to how our members and guests experience our service. And kindness—simple, genuine kindness—strengthens those connections.

Kindness isn’t complicated; it doesn’t ask for perfection or even agreement. It simply calls for a bit of thoughtfulness and the awareness that, while our opinions and experiences may differ, we’re all human, and we all deserve decency.

At its core, food and hospitality are about bringing people together. We have the rare privilege of setting the tone and creating a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and even a little more at ease.

Let’s make our kitchens and clubhouses a refuge from divisiveness, where our members and teams can come together without the constant reminder of the differences they see elsewhere.

With kindness at the forefront, model steady, thoughtful, and gracious leadership. The ripple effect will go well beyond the walls of your kitchens. It will resonate with your teams and with the members you serve.

We may not be able to change the temperature of the national conversation, but within our clubs, we can create a supportive and respectful space.

So, let’s use this season to do what we do best: bring people together with kindness, creativity and delicious food as the key ingredients. After all, the connections we build and the culture we create speak volumes about who we are as leaders—and perhaps most importantly, as people.