Work Clean

Synopsis

Night after night, chefs and their crews multitask in a way that puts deskbound workers to shame. Have you ever wondered how they do it?

In Work Clean, Dan Charnas uncovers their secret: mise-en-place ('putting in place' to you and me) - the organizational system that transforms the lives of its practitioners through focus and self-discipline.

Through interviews with top chefs working in professional kitchens all over the world, culinary students, line cooks and restaurant employees, Charnas reveals the ten major principles of mise-en-place, including: 'Arranging spaces', 'Finishing actions' and 'Slowing Down to Speed Up'.

Demonstrating how to put the method into practice, Work Clean is your guide to boosting productivity in all aspects of life.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Clean

* Summary: Introduces the concept of "work clean," which involves focusing on completing tasks thoroughly and efficiently.
* Real Example: A manufacturing line where products are consistently assembled flawlessly, reducing scrap and rework.

Chapter 2: Redoing Your Day

* Summary: Explains how redoing your day can help identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
* Real Example: An office worker who redoes their schedule to prioritize important tasks and eliminate distractions.

Chapter 3: Pulling for Perfection

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of striving for perfection in all aspects of work.
* Real Example: A construction team that takes pride in delivering flawless results, leading to satisfied customers.

Chapter 4: The Dawn of Detail

* Summary: Highlights the value of paying attention to details and how it can prevent errors.
* Real Example: A surgical team that meticulously prepares for procedures, reducing the risk of complications.

Chapter 5: Creating a Clean Slate

* Summary: Introduces the concept of "clean slates," which involve starting each task with a clear mind and fresh perspective.
* Real Example: A software developer who begins every project by organizing their files and setting clear objectives.

Chapter 6: Isolating the Obstacles

* Summary: Explains how to identify and overcome obstacles that hinder productivity.
* Real Example: A sales team that analyzes data to pinpoint challenges and develop strategies to address them.

Chapter 7: The Re-Do Button

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of redoing tasks as necessary to achieve perfection.
* Real Example: A restaurant chef who willingly reworks dishes to ensure they meet the highest standards.

Chapter 8: Finalizing the Finish

* Summary: Stresses the need to complete tasks thoroughly and ensure they meet all requirements.
* Real Example: A marketing team that proofreads and revises presentations to convey a polished and error-free message.

Chapter 9: Expectation Engineering

* Summary: Encourages setting clear expectations and communicating them effectively to ensure that tasks are completed as desired.
* Real Example: A project manager who outlines project goals and timelines to all team members.

Chapter 10: Seeking the Okay

* Summary: Emphasizes the value of seeking feedback and validation to ensure tasks are completed to satisfaction.
* Real Example: A customer service representative who follows up with clients to ensure their concerns have been addressed.