I have just had dinner at a wonderful restaurant in Florence called Ora D’Aria. The diners are able to see through glass sliding doors into the kitchen. It is a small restaurant, seating no more than about 30 people in the area in which I sat, and probably a similar number in a downstairs area that I did not see. In the kitchen were about 8 team members. And I use word “team” intentionally.
The chef, Marco Stabile, moves between kitchen and patrons, introducing each dish personally. He exudes a calm that carries over into the pace of the kitchen: measured, mindful, meticulous. Seated where I was, I had full view of his comings and goings, and of his kitchen ministrations, and those of his efficient team. There was no wasted motion and I saw more than one smile exchanged between chef and support team, and between members of that group. It was a joy to behold and was the epitomy of team work.
Each of us would be fortunate to operate in such harmonious team environments. I wish more groups of individuals that refer to themselves as being part of a “team” could see one such as Chef Stabile’s in action. For most teams have a far way to go before they truly operate as a team. Nevertheless, having seen this one at work tonight, and having sampled the exquisite food they produced, I was inspired to emulate the conduct I saw on display, from the leader, and from every member of his team.