When I arrived 30 minutes late for an already contentious meeting, it felt like we were fried. I listened for a few minutes as leadership talked about approachability and that the menu I’d created was a bit too esoteric. That British roasts weren’t things that got people excited, and the food was too heavy. They wanted hamburgers, wings, calamari, chicken parmesan, more salads, etc.
I took it all in, listened, and when there was a pause in conversation, offered to help them find another chef.
“Guys. I don’t think you need me for this. Anyone can make a hamburger. I can find you someone excited to make a hamburger, but it’s not me.” People responded, they altered their feedback, and we started to go in circles until one person spoke.
