Defining a chef

I have been thinking a lot about what a chef is and have come to some conclusions. These of course will change and develop as I move through my career, but I think it important to define what I am trying to achieve (can't move towards a goal unless one exists). The first idea and maybe most important is that a chef be a leader. Leadership is important, especially in a busy kitchen where a cook’s decision can make or break a service. If the map and compass of leadership is missing then there is no clear path to take, ideas get lost in translation and things can go in strange directions. Standards that mark the path become different for everyone because everyone is working to their own, or lack there of. That customer who came back because the halibut dish they had was so great walks away wondering why this time is was overcooked, the sauce to thin, and everything was bland. Inconsistencies can kill a restaurant and a lack of leadership is a large contributing factor. But what makes a leader? Motivational poster quotes aside, leadership isn't just telling people what to do, it's showing them. If a chef takes a short cut, he better be prepared for every cook to take it too. A chef sets standards, not only standards for food, but standards of how to work. In The Soul of a Chef it's pointed out (through the story of The French Laundry) that the basics, keeping a clean station, working methodically, taking care of equipment and cleaning, these are the important things. These are things a chef must do everyday; show cooks how to work. Food knowledge and skills can be taught, the desire to learn them, passion for working, and working in a professional manner cannot. They must come from within. When a cook says someone has "it" I think this is the meaning of "it", desire and passion for the job that translates into actions. This is what I strive for everyday, in my personal and professional life. The basics, It doesn't mean that I want to necessarily do everything, but that I am willing because I see the value, I recognize the process in the end result.