Feed.

A few years ago, I decided to embrace the fact that I am good at teaching.  I never really embraced the fact that I am.  It's weird because I have had tons of teaching positions since college.  I was picked out as a teaching assistant for a technical writing course.  I worked as a fitness instructor for 15 years.  I was an educator for a major organic grocery chain.  I also taught cooking classes while there.  So, about 3 years ago, I totally embraced it and accepted that I actually know how to get people to learn.

So, it bothers me immensely when people don't teach me what to do.  Because if you ask me to do something, I'll ask you specifics.  If you fail to communicate them to me, then I'll do it the way you told me with slight adjustments which I consider necessary to create a better product.  And it bothers me immensely, when you come over and have an attitude about it rather than just ask me to do it the way you previously did not communicate.  And it really bothers me when the person I am working with, who supposedly knows what is going on, doesn't correct me, and co-signs with the person who did not communicate with me properly.

Last night, I was tasked to brown some chicken.  I asked specifically what steps were being taken to finish the product.  The response was very inaccurate.  So, knowing that we had a huge amount of time, I decided to brown the chicken carefully.  Because I was asked to get good color.  A fellow cook, who has about as much tact and class as a nail, came over and said that I was wasting time and this is how I should do it... blah blah blah. 

I guess I'm bothered for three reasons:  one, we have so much time; two, none of the lead cooks complained to me about the way I was doing it, and they both checked on me twice; three, my fellow chicken cook, who didn't do it properly the first time, and was corrected properly by one of the leads, co-signed with the asshole to make herself look like she knew what she was doing. 

Seriously, we had so much time for this event that we sat around for 45 minutes waiting.  Guess, I had time to waste.

The two lead cooks, were fine with the way I was doing it.  NOBODY, including my fellow chicken cook, said anything to me.  I'm adult enough to take criticism.  And I love when people correct me if I am doing it wrong.  Don't be such a pussy about doing it.  But then again, my fellow chicken cook is a female and they notoriously lack any confidence in the kitchen.  Most won't say it but they definitely feel it.

I know she definitely has been put on the spot at events.  I know he definitely been put on the spot at events too (one instance actually involved me).  But here is the thing:  I've been put on the spot at events before.  My goal is to help others not be put on the spot.  My goal is to also teach my fellow workers how to cook properly for the company.  Not berate them and make them feel small.

I guess that's what makes me a good teacher.  Later.

Labels: Cooking, Irritation, Teaching, Work

  ¶ 9:51 AM