Hello all –
What a whirlwind past few days it has been! Mostly filled
with work – this week I worked three afternoon shifts and a morning shift. This
work week has been a transition in leadership roles – I’m not following the
Lead Cook, I am now a co-lead cook, which I will be for the next two weeks
before I finally take command of the kitchen on my own. Now that I finally know
my way around the Holden kitchen (it’s really big and there’s a lot of stuff to
learn!),
I feel prepared to begin leading and assigning duties.
I’ve noticed, working alongside the leads, that it’s best to
direct as simply and be as welcoming as possible. The two leads I worked with
this week – Ellie and Kari – let kitchen assists choose their duties at the
beginning of the shift, so everything runs (most times) smoothly and
efficiently. Once people know their tasks, things get done quickly without
complaint. That’s how I hope to lead as well. I want people to be as happy as
possible (making what they like, etc), which will create for a more positive
work environment. In regards to being “as welcoming as possible”, I’ve noticed
that the leads are always kind to new-comers, will answer as many questions as
you have without complaint, and always have a smile on their face. I hope to,
once I get over the first few shifts of solo leading, be able to do that as well.
We’ve had two new kitchen workers (Emily and Chris) come in
this week (an assistant and lead, respectively), so I’ve been orienting them to
the kitchen and telling them about how it runs – they’re both extraordinarily
culinary-smart and have caught on quickly. I’ve been making a point to tell
each of them that I’m glad to have them on board and am going to immensely
enjoy working with them – I want them to feel welcome here.
Today was my “Saturday” off. It also was the transition day between
May Youth Weekend groups (where the Village has an influx of 160+ area
Washington and Idaho high school students and youth leaders), so I helped vacuum
lodges and wipe down mirrors. There were over 300 people in the Village, so
summer is definitely on the horizon.
The teaching program begins on June 3rd, when
faculty from all sorts of colleges and universities across the nation will
arrive for differing week-long teaching sessions – from there on out, the
numbers are expected to increase to about 400 people per week. I’m looking
forward to the variety of classes that are going to be offered, and am hoping
to get to go to a few! There’s one coming up called “Living Liturgy” that looks
really neat.
Anyway – that’s all for now. I’m going to go get some coffee
and a book and read.
From the Village –
Dean
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