What is professionalism chef Ahmad Maadarani
What is professionalism? Professionalism means having the skills, competence, good judgement and polite behaviour expected in the hospitality industry. 12 Aspects of professionalism:
- Appearance
Maintain good personal hygiene, be well groomed and wear a clean, neat uniform especially when you are in front of house or in contact with guests.
- Accountability
Be accountable for your actions at all times. If you make a mistake, own up to it and try to fix it if possible. Do not try to place the blame on a colleague. Take responsibility and work to resolve the issue.
- Attitude
Be confident but not arrogant. Be polite and well spoken when interacting with guests.
- Attention to detail
Pay attention to detail and be alert. Memorize the instructions and requests from guests, managers and colleagues.
- Competence
Be competent in the job. Take an interest in the ingredients and dishes you prepare. You must develop the necessary technical skills. Ask questions and learn. Be informed about your local area and be prepared to share this knowledge with guests. This will build your self-confidence, and will contribute to establish a trusting relationship with guests and colleagues.
- Communication
Speak in a clear and concise manner. Be exact and accurate with facts. Identify yourself by your full name and company title when you take a call and listen intently to the other party.
- Ethics
Know your company’s rules and ethics and adhere to them at all times. Be honest and trustworthy – so guests and colleagues will trust you.
- Manners
Be diplomatic and tactful. Show empathy and care when engaging with others.
- Be organised
Your work area should be neat and organised. Know where things are so you can quickly and easily find what is needed.
- Reliability
Respond to people promptly and follow up on promises in a timely manner.
- Stay calm
Keep calm, even during tense situations. Never lose your temper or resort to aggression e.g., if a colleague or client treats you in a belligerent manner, you should not resort to the same type of behaviour.
- Service attitude
The desire to be of service to others, which includes visitors, guests and colleagues. Think of their needs and makes every effort to meet them.
Why is professionalism so important?
When you work for a restaurant, you are a representative of that restaurant, department or kitchen. Guest form their opinion of the restaurant based on their experience of engaging with you and will decide to return or avoid the restaurant based on this. When guests do not return, the restaurant loses money, and will close down.
The cooks in the kitchen provide a professional service by:
- Professionally representing the company when dealing with guests and visitors
- Creating a professional image for the company through its contact with guests and visitors
- Providing professional and efficient service and assistance to guests
- Enabling colleagues to carry out their work by being supportive and professional
- Providing a full range and high level of food preparation and cooking to guests that enhances their impressions of the company
- Serving food products in a manner that meets the needs and expectations of all guests
- Maintaining effective communication
- By obtaining feedback and information from guests about food service and offerings and passing this information on to the relevant Heads of Department
- Passing on guest requests or instructions to the appropriate person or department to ensure that guests’ needs and expectations are met in a manner that enhances the reputation of the establishment.
