Cookery classes provide each participant with a vital part to play, so that no-one is left standing about twiddling their thumbs. Whether a team member’s task is to strain the pasta or season the dish, everyone is given an important job to get on with. Each individual’s co-operation is required in order to make an exquisite gourmet dish, whether that is a sea food speciality or a vegetarian delight. Knowing that everyone has played their part, participants are sure to enjoy their delicious meal with a smile on their face.

Improving Communication Skills

Everyone who has watched the famous Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver in action knows that communication is crucial when cooking. It is the primary stress of professional chefs and a factor which makes the difference between an average meal and an incomparable one. From asking fellow team members to pass the salt to giving a vital instruction, cookery classes are guaranteed to teach participants how to communicate in a way that is precise, clear and quick. An important team building skill, individuals are certain to leave with a better sense of how to communicate.

Role Rehearsing

Another prime skill of team building includes learning to adhere to specific roles. For instance those with leadership roles in their work place can take up a position as ‘head chef’ in order to practise the required skills for this role. From deciding who will do what, to providing help and advice, cookery classes will help leaders to assert their positions and practise their skills. Likewise, other team members will learn how to quickly follow instructions and submit to authorities in a fun and relaxing environment. A great way to practise role requirements, cookery classes are full of helpful team building exercises.

Problem Solving

Whether it’s overcooking the meat or putting too much flour in the bread dough, cooking is something in which one will almost always encounter problems (unless incredibly lucky!). However, that is what makes it fun and all the more worth it in the long run! Finding quick solutions to problems is an important team building skill and one that cooking definitely helps to develop! Team members will have to work together to resolve issues and it will have to be done at an incredible speed, if participants want to save the meal. From adding more seasoning if a dish isn’t tasting quite right to quickly re-frying more chicken, cooking requires professionalism, accuracy and speed. Participants are bound to be truly satisfied with themselves and the rest of the team, when they sit down to eating that delightful meal.

Image credit

Conclusion

Radiating an exciting and enjoyable ambience, cookery classes are the perfect way to practice team building. From developing communication skills to learning how to solve problems fast and accurately, cookery classes are a great team building event. So throw on an apron and a chef’s hat, and get cooking! 

By Maria Hubbard, who loves both writing and cookery classes in equal measure.

Image Credits: Tara Angkor Hotel and Jeff Kubina