The Kitchen vs The Boardroom
Whenever I tackle a new project, I feel that “new recipe” excitement. As some of you know, I’m a total foodie. When I find a complex new dish to master, I’m all in.
The reality:
I often choose savory cooking over baking. In baking, you don’t just throw flour in a bowl and expect a cake. Baking requires a level of precision and preparation that is easy to overlook.
You check the milk—is it fresh? You check the eggs—are there enough? You check the equipment—is it the right pan for the job?
Milk that’s about to turn won’t cut it. Only one egg left in the carton? Not ideal. Do you even have the right pan?
In the kitchen, as in leadership, skipping the “ingredient check” leads to a subpar result. Preparation isn’t just a hurdle to get over; it is the foundation of the action itself.
The Roadblock
When Judgment Rushes In:
You’re ready to execute your Q2 strategy. You’ve got the plan and the vision. But as you move toward the heat of the kitchen, judgment rushes in to crowd out your progress:
But then judgment rushes in:
- “This isn’t going to work.”
- “We don’t have what we need.”
- “Why even try when it’s this difficult?”
Here is the truth: Curiosity cannot survive in a boardroom—or a kitchen—filled with judgment. When we lead from a place of “Righteousness” (thinking our way is the only way), we lose our ability to pivot.
I call this the 90/10 Rule: If 90% of your energy is spent defending your position or judging the obstacles, you only have 10% left for actual progress. To move into Pillar 4 (Action), we must replace that furrowed brow with a curious “What if?”
The Recipe for Execution (Pillar 4: Action)
Successful results rarely happen on the first toss of the pan. They happen when the right tools meet a willing mindset. As you move into Q2, use this checklist to ensure your “kitchen” is ready:
📋Assess: What is truly needed to move the needle right now?
🍳Prepare: What do you—or your team—need to learn (or unlearn) to succeed?
🥣 Equip: Do you have the systems in place to support the weight of the goal?
👥Support: Who is standing at the counter with you to guarantee the win?
The Result: Celebrating the “Silent Win”
One of my favorite challenges is a seafood paella. It’s a labor of love where presentation is paramount, but the rice is the foundation. There is always a risk—is the rice perfectly cooked? Will the seafood stay tender?
The real win isn’t the social media post or the praise from guests. It’s that first bite where I nod to myself and think: “I nailed it.”
In leadership, the win isn’t always a headline or a promotion. Often, it’s a Silent Win—that quiet moment of realization where you see your preparation turn into a perfectly executed plan.
Stop waiting for the “perfect” outcome. Focus on the ingredients. Focus on the preparation. Lead with curiosity, and let the action follow.
Reflections
As you head into Q2, stop waiting for the “perfect” outcome and start focusing on the Pillar of Action.
The right ingredients. The right preparation. The willingness to try—and adjust.
The Ingredient Check: What resource or skill are you missing that’s holding back your Q2 execution?
The Body Language Audit: Next time you face a roadblock, pause—what is your physical posture telling your team about your openness?
The Silent Win: What micro-action can you take in the next 48 hours that would let you say, “I did that”?
Ready to turn your Q2 strategy into action? Book a complimentary call.
Until next time,
Michele