When we think about leadership, our minds often jump to CEOs, generals, or elected officials. Yet leadership is not confined to boardrooms or battlefields. It shows up in kitchens, in backyards, and in the simple, shared work of creating something together. I was reminded of this truth one afternoon while making pierogi—Eastern European dumplings filled with potatoes, bacon, and herbs—with three friends. Hours of chopping, mixing, rolling, and laughing revealed more than just good food. It revealed lessons in leadership that apply far beyond the kitchen.
Here are the insights that surfaced, one flour-dusted dumpling at a time:
1. A positive environment fuels productivity.
When the music is good and the mood is light, even hard work feels enjoyable. Leaders set the tone.
2. Teamwork is essential.
No one person can roll, stuff, pinch, and cook hundreds of dumplings alone. Collaboration creates efficiency.
3. Leadership shifts.
Just like geese rotate who flies at the front, the role of “leader” may change in the kitchen. Sometimes it is the one who knows the recipe best, other times the one who notices a bottleneck and steps in.
4. A clear vision is critical.
We started with a game plan: how many pierogi we wanted to make, who would handle which task, and how to adjust along the way. Without vision, teams flounder.
5. Briefing matters.
Before the first piece of dough was rolled, we aligned on the process. Clarity upfront saves time and frustration later.
6. Defined roles build trust.
Each of us had a responsibility, but we also understood the responsibilities of the others. This let us anticipate needs, cover for each other, and stay connected.
7. Communication is constant.
From verbal reminders to non-verbal cues—a nod to grab more flour, or a quick glance when the water was boiling over—communication held the process together.
8. Someone must keep score.
One person naturally tracked how many dumplings were completed and how much filling remained. Metrics matter, even in a kitchen.
9. Scoreboards motivate.
Watching the growing trays of neatly lined pierogi reminded us of our progress. Visual feedback keeps teams energized.
10. Feedback drives improvement.
Too much filling? Dough too thin? We gave each other feedback in real time and adjusted.
11. Quality control protects the outcome.
One teammate quietly checked that dumplings were sealed tight to avoid leaks during cooking. A leader must guard the integrity of the work.
12. Feedback must be both given and received.
Improvement only happens when teammates are open to critique and willing to change.
13. Debriefing creates learning.
At breaks, we reflected on what was working and what could be tweaked. Reflection strengthens future performance.
14. Clean workspaces matter.
A messy environment slows the team and increases mistakes. Everyone is responsible for order.
15. Celebrate wins.
At the end of the day, we sat down with glasses of wine and steaming plates of pierogi. We laughed, we toasted, and we enjoyed the fruits of our labor.
Leadership, like cooking, is both art and discipline. It is about planning, executing, adjusting, and celebrating together. Whether you are guiding a team of executives or folding dumplings at a kitchen table, the principles remain the same: clarity, communication, accountability, and joy in the work.
