Fergus Dyer-Smith

I have just spent a few weeks (still here) in Canada and been subjected to more TV than I normally would. Last night I watched Ramsay’s Kitchen nightmares and it struck me as a brilliant business program.

For those that don’t know Gordon Ramsay is top British chef with a foul mouth and a reputation for plain speaking. The program sees him coming in to a failing restaurant and trying to turn it round all in the space of about a week.

Each week seems to have some running themes. Listed below are some of my observations and questions that you could apply to any business

1. Simplify

Having watched a number of episodes almost every one revolves around stripping down a menu from 20 to 5 or six offerings. The kitchen get good at cooking these well and the effect on the clients seems to be instant.

Less is more – Ensure your customers understand your offering. Be awesome at a small number of things.

2. Recognise the potential of all your employees

On numerous occasions we see a member of the restaurant team who is overlooked or underplayed. It could be anything from waiter to a chef. Ramsay has a great knack for identifying personnel who just need to be given the opportunity to shine

Give people responsibility. Let them thrive. Congratulate them when they do well and pick them up when they fail. Let Go.

3. Who is preventing progress?

The opposite to the above is also true. We regularly see a member of the team who seems to stand in the way of progress More often than not it seems to be the head chef who just refuses to accept they need to learn or move on and is holding the whole operation back

Some people resist change and or thrive on others failure. Be direct about it, give them the opportunity to learn or get rid of these people immediately. You know who they are

4. Passion is everything

There is no denying Ramsay is passionate about good food but he also is passionate about the business of food. He loves every element of it from the decor through to the staff. You really feel it and the staff and you the viewer cannot help but be drawn in by it that passion

If you don’t believe it no one else will

5. Communicate directly

Ramsay is direct. Very f*****g direct. Now I am not a huge fan of his aggressive manner but I am of direct speak. No one is left in any doubt as to what the problems are or what needs to change in order for things to progress.

Call a spade a spade and answer with a yes or no when you can. Asses where ambiguity lies. You can only fix problems you know about so encourage openness and reduce the levels of communication between management levels. Fire a gun not the person