1. Show your team you appreciate them

“As an employer, I know each member of my team plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly. This is the time of year to show that I appreciate their skills, talent, and hard work. I introduce incentives, run a staff competition and allow certain perks, like extended breaks here and there.
“I create a rotational calendar, to ensure all staff members get adequate time off, and everyone gets their fair share. Hiring temporary or part-time staff also helps fill the gap, and allows greater flexibility for the rotational calendar.
“A celebratory end of year lunch, dinner, grazing table or get together (that they didn't have to cook!) is a good way to say: thank you.”

Chef Farzana Alvarado
National Chairperson of the South African Chefs Association Women In Culinary, and Chef Brand Ambassador for WWF Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative

2. Make sure to stay healthy

“In a leadership role, it’s important for you to feel as mentally, physically and emotionally healthy as possible as your energy and performance sets the tone for your culture at your workplace.

Misha Vayner
Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach

3. Respect work-life balance

“Space away from the business is hard to create but gives a fresh perspective and clear outlook. When you're stuck in the trenches day to day, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture. Creating that space is critical to stay energized and have clear purpose and direction.
“We try to live it ourselves and we build structures so that the team can too. For us, it's about being international in building the business aligned with these values, rather than being reactive through the process.”

Nick Wiseman
Chef and founder, Little Sesame

4. Lead by example

“Leaders lead by example—whether or not they intend to. If you show up late, your team will be less punctual; if you take responsibility for mistakes, your team will find the courage to admit to their errors. Show your team what you expect of them instead of telling them, especially during the festive period. If you want your team to trust you and follow your lead, you need to be transparent. Of course, there will be times when you can’t share information, but keeping relevant information to yourself jeopardizes relationships and respect.”

Leon Marney
Chef and director, Revival Gourmet Cuisine