Defining “done”

How the Art of Perfectly Roasting a Turkey Unfolds Timeless Principles for Leading Empowered Teams

In the culinary world, a turkey’s readiness isn’t merely defined by the time it’s been cooked, but also the method and care that went into the process. Much like life, it’s not just about completing a task but about the journey and the diligence employed to achieve the best possible results. This brings us to an interesting visual: a turkey cooked for 3 hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit retains its succulence, while one cooked for just 1 hour at 900 degrees Fahrenheit turns out overcooked and dry. This stark difference serves as an allegory for leadership principles that transcend the kitchen.

Drawing parallels between the culinary art of roasting a turkey and leadership can offer unique perspectives on guiding empowered teams:

1. Quality Over Speed

The temptation to prioritize speed often overshadows the need for quality. But as in cooking, haste can lead to undesirable results. The importance of deadlines must be weighed against the quality of outcomes.

Reflective Questions:

• When did we last choose speed over quality? What were the outcomes?
• How can we better balance meeting deadlines with…