5 Leadership Lessons from The Bear
To say that I loved watching The Bear would be an understatement larger than a chaotic family dinner with all the fixins. The more I watched the more parallels I uncovered, maybe a bustling kitchen of misfits isn’t that different from corporate life?
For those who don’t know The Bear, firstly stop everything and go watch all three seasons immediately. Once you’re done come straight back to this blog! Basically, The Bear is about a young chef named Carmy (Carmen) who is battling grief, perfectionism, family dynamics, career evolution, and the challenges of small business ownership.
The Bear also does an exceptional job delving into each character’s unique story, because we all have a story. We all have success and struggle, and we all have a lot more in common than we often think.
So, what are these kitchen dramas to corporate life parallels? Let’s get into it!
1. Don’t Let Bad Leaders Make YOU into a Bad Leader
When Carmy was gaining experience as a high-end chef, he had an absolutely soul crushing leader. Someone who used fear-based motivation tactics and said terrible things that remain in the back of Carmy’s mind, despite his best efforts. (Now is a good time to mention that every character in The Bear could benefit from therapy, but that’s a tale for another blog!) Carmy encounters various challenges upon taking over his brother’s sandwich shop, including managing a kitchen staff with diverse personalities and attitudes, it was his time to decide what type of leader he was going to be. Some team members are resistant to change (I’m looking at you Richie), others struggle with personal issues, but Carmy remains steadfast in his commitment to lead with integrity and compassion. (and maybe a little profanity) He learns early on not to let the negative behaviors of others dictate his own leadership style and distract from his goals. Instead, Carmy chooses to lead by example, demonstrating resilience, change agility and a positive work ethic even in the face of adversity.
What we also learn from watching Carmy’s journey from acclaimed Chef to restaurant owner, is that there is no such thing as a perfect person. Making mistakes is part of life, and it’s all about making the comeback stronger than the setback, with both large and small challenges.
2. Passion, Motivation, and Being Teachable is Critical to Success
Throughout The Bear, Carmy's passion for cooking and dedication to his family's legacy shine through. His motivation to succeed is fueled not only by personal ambition, but also by a desire to honor his brother's memory and support his given and chosen family. We see individuals who have never had culinary experience thrive first in the sandwich shop, and then at a fine dining restaurant simply because their passion, motivation, and ability to be taught surpasses anything else. Tina is a perfect example, after being laid off from a bookkeeping job she struggled to find a similar job because she did not have formal education, despite having countless years of experience. What happened? Carmy’s brother Mikey took a chance on Tina after a vulnerable moment in the shop, and she has turned into one of the restaurant’s most loyal, dedicated employees, and has transformed into a culinary wizard. THIS is what a quality employee looks like, this is what workplace excellence looks like, and this is what success looks like.
3. Communication, Communication, Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of Carmy's leadership journey. He faces numerous communication challenges, from bridging generational gaps with older staff members to navigating disagreements among his team. (Looking at you again Richie) However, Carmy learns that open and honest communication builds trust and fosters a collaborative work environment. By actively listening to his employees' concerns and ideas, Carmy strengthens his connections with them and promotes a culture of transparency and mutual respect.
4. Camaraderie Is Critical
As Carmy evolves the sandwich shop and navigates personal grief, he discovers that his kitchen staff becomes more than just employees—they become his chosen family. The camaraderie among the team members proves to be instrumental in overcoming obstacles, encouraging change, and celebrating successes together. Carmy's willingness to invest in relationships and support his staff on a personal level creates a cohesive and supportive workplace culture where people feel valued and motivated.
5. Eat: Hangry Is a Real Thing
On a lighter note, let’s be real, hunger has an impact on mood and productivity in the kitchen and in life. Sometimes you just need an omelet, and everything will be ok. With a full tummy we can have a clear mind.
The Bear offers a compelling narrative that transcends its setting in a sandwich shop to deliver powerful lessons on leadership and workplace excellence. Carmy's journey from grief and uncertainty to resilience and success underscores the importance of integrity, compassion, and continuous learning in leadership. Whether you're managing a small team or leading a large organization, embracing these principles can inspire positive change and foster a culture of excellence. Carmy's story reminds us that true leadership is not just about achieving goals but also about empowering others and building meaningful connections along the way.
Let's apply these lessons from The Bear and lead with heart, courage, and a commitment to excellence in our workplaces.
YES CHEF!
About Lindsay Bissett:
By day Lindsay is a Human Resources Consultant, with a flair for social media, civic engagement, and mental health advocacy. By night she is a mother of two, green smoothie aficionado, podcast listener, and active glamper.
Follow Lindsay on social media!