One of the social relationships which deserves our attention is without a doubt the one that we have with work, its content, and its issues. To illustrate this, and to trace a parallel with today, let’s take a look at the Renaissance era, and talk about the Intendant Vatel.
A steward who took his pastry chef training under the instruction of his godfather, Vatel was steeped in the culture of a 17th century apprenticeship. Before the age of 40, Vatel had distinguished himself as maître d’hôtel to Superintendent Nicolas Fouquet, Minister of Finance for King Louis XlV. Then he was given the honour of preparing a reception banquet for Louis XlV, at the superb Chateau of Chantilly.
Vatel, overseen by the maître, selected all the kitchen and service employees. He controlled the purchase of goods and ingredients, involving enormous sums of money. You could say that Vatel knew how to exercise power, and he was reliable Vatel had the type of personality that let him preside over major projects. Although he seemed to always reserve "his art" for the greats, he also knew to surround himself by professionals, apprentices, journeymen and masters, who shared with him the same honour for a job well done. He himself could not endure the shame of not meeting his commitments. Despite not being directly responsible for the delay of the seafood shipment, he knew without compromise who was responsible for the final masterpiece. The tide finally brought in its products, and although Vatel had committed suicide, the banquet was prepared in grand ceremony by a thousand expert hands, and so the celebration still took place with a show and fireworks.
Is it possible that Vatel had confused honour with vanity? Also, what sort of relationship did Vatel have with his work? It seems that Vatel’s act has become mythical over time, and his name is often used to emphasize courage, during celebrations at great culinary schools.
What would we say today about our relationship with work? What takes priority? Where do we find our motivation? Is it in our love for work, in wealth, prestige, ethics, ambition, power or ego? Today, do we still speak of honour, courage and etiquette, and when is art found in our work? As a leader, was Vatel like us? Where was he in his ambitions and motivations? What was the reason for his act? How is our time different from his? Today, how do we handle failure, and responsibility or impunity when faced with them? When is it a concept of purpose and who is responsible for it?
Joseph Anstett, CHRP, ACC Vice President, Career Management and Coach for Optimum Talent
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