I recently stepped into a chief stew role. I work with two other stews who are hardworking and handle laundry, cabins, housekeeping and some service prep. I regularly check in to offer a hand and find myself vacuuming, mopping and pitching in with cleaning. After some research, I’ve seen that chief stews are expected to focus more on organization, guest interaction and management. Is it OK for me to step back from the more hands-on work?
It’s great to hear about your new role. As a chief stew, your primary focus should indeed be on leadership, organization, guest interaction and team management. While it’s commendable to pitch in with hands-on tasks, overextending yourself can hinder your effectiveness in your leadership role.
To transition your focus:
1. Prioritize leadership responsibilities: Dedicate time to your main duties of team management and ensuring high-quality guest experiences, as they are critical to your success.
2. Delegate tasks: Empower your fellow stews by delegating more cleaning and prep tasks to them. This not only alleviates your workload but also fosters their growth and confidence in their roles.
3. Encourage team development: Focus on mentoring your team members. Provide them with guidance and opportunities to take on more responsibility. This will help build their skills and promote a stronger, more self-sufficient team.
4. Communicate openly: Set clear expectations with your team regarding roles and responsibilities. Let them know that they should feel empowered to manage their assigned tasks.
5. Lead by example: While you should step back from hands-on tasks, occasionally participating in them can foster camaraderie and demonstrate your willingness to support your team. Just ensure it doesn’t become a primary focus.
6. Evaluate and adjust: Regularly assess your workflow and team dynamics. If you find that your team is handling their responsibilities well, continue to scale back your involvement.
Stepping back from hands-on work is not only OK but essential for your growth as a chief stew, and it promotes a healthier work environment for both you and your team.