Yes, Chef! What The Bear Teaches Us About Servant Leadership

Clear News
Written By Craig Barnes

I know it may just be me, but the show “The Bear” is pretty much as close to a perfect representation of individuals coming together to bring to life the bigger picture (mission/vision) of the organization they are each invested in.

While it is fictional, the story brings imperfect/different people together striving for excellence both in their profession as well as their relationship with their teammates and service to others. It does not portray a “sunshine and rainbow unicorn” type of work atmosphere but rather one of conflict, connection, cooperation, and celebration.


Also, I dig as part of this show that no matter what role/position a person holds in the restaurant, everyone calls each other CHEF! To me THAT is Servant Leadership at its finest!

I believe there is no position in any organization that is truly greater than another. While there may be pay/responsibility differentials, each position…STRIKE THAT…each person bringing their individual organizational positions to life can absolutely impact the whole.

Over the past couple of years, I have been asked to facilitate sessions on the topic of “Servant Leadership-No Title Needed” to small groups as well as at all employee meetings. As such, I have recently developed the below single page “takeaway” sheet based on what I believe are the focal points.”

 

Clip from @MakeSomeNoiseDO YouTube Channel showing what Work Life Balance might look like on the TV show “The Bear”.

Craig Barnes

Craig has been the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool’s (TMLIRP’s) Human Resources Outreach Consultant since October 2022. So far, Craig has driven close to 80,000 miles facilitating and engaging with thousands of municipal servant leaders all across Texas.

He has over 26 years’ experience as a certified human resources professional serving both with the cities of Garland and Plano.

While there, Craig actively focused on engaging and creating a thriving and sustainable culture centered on both city’s organizational values. He also led and/or was involved with active employee recruiting, retention, recognition, policy formulation/interpretation, compensation and employee relations efforts as well as oversaw and supported the Human Resources Information Systems.

Additionally, Craig has been a Director of Civil Service, Risk Management Insurance/Claims Coordinator and an HR Training Coordinator. He has also actively served as a board member with both the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) and Texas Public Employer Labor Relations Association (TxPELRA) professional organizations.

Craig loves spending any available time he has with his wife Tama of over 33 years, their 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law as well as smoking meat and making noise on the drums. He is most excited about his new era as “Pappy” to their first grandchild.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-barnes-pshra-scp/
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