We run off our own narratives—learned experiences, betrayals, advice, chemicals.
My narrative for this blog was honesty. It hasn’t been easy, because truth and honesty aren’t the same. Honesty is the roadmap—truth the destination.
We try to make sound decisions by looking at our situation honestly, in hopes it’s supported by truth.
It’s hard to get in bed with both honesty and truth. They’re like two totally different lovers who will never have a threesome with you—because they don’t like to share.
The desire to be honest with myself didn’t happen overnight. I planted that seed a long time ago running restaurants and kitchens.
Honesty helped free my mind from a groove. It let my thoughts leave their lane and run head-on into the oncoming traffic of alternative perspectives.
I’m not gonna write a course here on how to abandon your restaurant. Instead, I’ll list a few of the key factors that have allowed me to leave and take care of my dad while Pumpers doesn’t skip a beat.
First, allow your staff to be their authentic selves. When this happens, the inauthentic ones usually show themselves the door.
More importantly, it means when I’m gone, they’re the same as when I’m there.
Trust people. Are they gonna help themselves to a few cocktails while I’m gone? Sure, of course. They know this isn’t a crime, and where the equator of excess lies, rarely letting each other cross it.
Let leaders lead. Shut The Fuck Up when they step up. Even if their decisions are cringe. Even if it’s not what you would do. Discuss the results eventually. But if you add your two cents every single time they make a call, there’ll be no wind in your restaurant’s sails when you’re gone.
Lastly, don’t pretend to be something you’re not. If you’re not physically working your ass off, don’t pretend like you are. Even if you’re swamped with the business side of things, don’t act like it’s the same kind of busy. It’s not. Writing emails, paying bills, or entertaining customers aren’t the same as cleaning a fryer at 1 a.m.
I’m going to cut it off there. I could probably write a book’s worth about stepping away from your kitchen or business without everything collapsing.
And I could be wrong about all of it.
All I can suggest is go find out the truth for yourself. Go to Pumpers. See for yourself if the staff needs me.
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