Do you remember your first day as “The Chef?” The thrill of the new, the chance to make your mark, fix what’s broken, and improve what’s working? I do. Whether stepping into an operation that needed a complete overhaul or one that only required fine-tuning, that first day always felt like endless possibility. Like the start of a baseball season, filled with promise and excitement.
“Day 1” isn’t just about the first day on the job, though. It’s a mindset, one where possibilities seem endless and improvement is the goal. It’s about maintaining the excitement and drive to grow, no matter how long you’ve been in the role. It’s the motivation that comes with starting fresh, even if it’s the hundredth time you’ve walked into the kitchen. A “Day 1” mindset means challenging yourself to do better every single day, with no excuses.
As time goes on, that initial excitement can fade. Just like the beginning of a baseball season, the routine eventually sets in. The “dog days of summer” arrive, and the focus shifts from innovation to simply maintaining the status quo. This is where many chefs hit a plateau, when the energy fades and the routine becomes overwhelming. But the key to long-term success is to push through those moments and reignite that original sense of excitement.
There are many ways to keep a “Day 1” mindset. Here are some of the methods I’ve used to keep my energy up:
- Engage new employees. It’s not just about asking for feedback. It’s about creating an environment where new employees feel like they can shape the operation. One effective strategy is to hold weekly feedback sessions where new hires share their observations. For example, after asking one new employee for feedback, I discovered a small, easily fixable issue that significantly improved kitchen workflow. This allowed us to work smarter, not harder, just like when I first stepped into the kitchen, excited to innovate and improve.
- Give tours to refresh your perspective. Whether you’re a new hire or a seasoned veteran, walking through the kitchen with fresh eyes can reveal areas for improvement. Take a moment to tour the space and ask yourself: What would I change if I were new to this environment? I’ve found that giving tours to new employees and members often helps me remember how far we’ve come and highlights areas where we can still grow.
- Spend a shift working a station to reconnect with the team. When you spend time working a station alongside your team, you reconnect with the daily grind. It’s easy to get caught up in the managerial tasks, but staying involved in the kitchen reminds you of the challenges and triumphs that make each day unique. It also sends a strong message to your team that you’re still invested in the craft and the team’s success.
The “Day 1” mindset isn’t just about enthusiasm. It’s about the continuous pursuit of improvement. It’s about recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to evolve. Maintaining this mindset can elevate your team’s morale and performance, creating a kitchen culture where everyone feels motivated to grow and get better.
Staying in a “Day 1” mindset requires fueling your passion, driving your team’s development, and elevating your operation. Whether through small changes or big innovations, always ask yourself: “What if?” Keep challenging your team and, more importantly, yourself. Let that first-day energy carry you forward, and you’ll never stop growing. Every day is a new opportunity to start fresh, to innovate, and to lead your team to success.
