Donald Burns delivers a short, direct monologue advising restaurant professionals to develop self-awareness and emotional control. He emphasizes that the restaurant industry is highly stressful, will test mental and emotional strength, and that understanding one’s emotional triggers helps maintain leadership and team stability.
You gotta be self aware. The restaurant industry is not for the faint of heart. I tell you, it will test your mental strength and your emotional stability. But you gotta be self aware if you're gonna be able to make it in this business. You gotta know what triggers your emotions, and you must be able to control those emotions. You must know yourself. You have to be true to yourself. Also, without self awareness, you're gonna be easy prey for negative emotions that are gonna try to take over your conscious mind. When you're aware of your emotions, you'll be better able to control them. And trust me, your restaurant and your team will thank you.
If your restaurant only works because you work 80 hours a week, it doesn't work.
