Watching the Season 3 finale of “The Bear” reminded me of the harsh environment in which my oldest son works as a chef in NYC.
The challenge of starting from scratch each night and delivering perfection is a relentless pursuit under immense pressure. The kitchen staff, known as the Brigade de Cuisine, operates much like a military unit. For years, leadership in these kitchens has been marked by a toxic authoritarian, commanding, and often humiliating style. As depicted in the series, this approach can be deeply traumatizing. This harsh leadership style is justified by the results it produces.
Fear can indeed drive performance, but it’s dangerous to assume that it’s the only—or even the best—way to achieve excellence. Balancing different leadership styles is crucial. However, one principle remains absolute: abusing power is never acceptable, regardless of the circumstances or alleged benefits.
