This article is written by Mark Pruhenski, town manager in Great Barrington, Massachusetts

There are few things in this world as satisfying as baking the perfect loaf of bread. The smell, the texture, and perhaps most importantly of all, the taste, provide us with the opportunity to create, innovate, and share.

My passion for baking began 15 years ago, when I was asked to cook for a food critic with a rather peculiar palate. This critic was a hardcore disciple of the old FDA food pyramid - a traditionalist who despite her young age insisted upon the power of the wholly grain. She was a critic who was more than ready to be a pain for pain. I am, of course speaking of my oldest daughter, then five years old. To provide her with healthy options (as a then town health agent should), I taught myself how to make nutritious breads that she would enjoy.

When the heat is turned up, chefs and local government officials have to thrive, and if they are not equipped for the job then they need to get out of the kitchen

With my ability to participate in my favourite activities away from home restricted due to Covid, I have found myself in my kitchen baking bread during my downtime. Even though my daughter has grown up and now attends school far away, I find that this activity provides me with both a connection to the past and the ability to reflect upon decisions that I have to make in the present, as the Town Manager of Great Barrington, MA. While social distancing prevents you from baking with me, I would like to share these four points of baking advice that can help you navigate these uncertain times when launching new initiatives. Do not worry, none of it is half-baked.

Mise en place (everything is in place): Whether you are preparing to bake a loaf of bread or preparing to launch a new initiative, preparation is key. You need to make sure that you have the right ingredients to create your project, and that these ingredients are of the best available quality.

In government, there is a natural tendency to shy away from conflict and confrontation, as people rise to criticise a new idea or policy

If you are lacking in one ingredient, can you substitute another? If the grocery store is closed, where can you go to find these ingredients? Does a neighbour have them? The same points apply for policy initiatives. Do you have the right resources? The right people? If not, does a neighbouring town have them? How about state or federal resources? It may be time-consuming in the short term to pull these resources together, but it is a lot better to take the time now than to spoil a loaf because you lacked a key ingredient.

Timing is everything: One of the greatest skills that a baker and a government official can learn is the importance of timing. Bake your loaf for too short a time, it comes out raw and inedible. Cook it for too long and sparks will fly.

When baking, you also have to remain conscious of your consuming audience. Will my daughter want to eat at 6? If so, when should I start? In much the same way, when launching an initiative, you must remain conscious of the timing of your announcement, and how long you prepare for. Does this measure need to be passed ASAP or is the public willing to wait for it? How should efforts be prioritised? How much time do we need to roll out the new initiative and how do we ensure that it does not get bogged down? Have a plan and keep your eye on the clock. It is always ticking.

Don’t be afraid to let it rise: Government officials could take a lesson from bakers in this regard. IT IS OK TO LET IT RISE! In government, there is a natural tendency to shy away from conflict and confrontation, as people rise to criticise a new idea or policy.

A negative public reaction is viewed as either the enemy or as a nuisance that needs to be outmanoeuvred. Bakers however, know that most breads must rise for them to reach their delicious final form. Public officials must embrace the rise. Their policies and initiatives will benefit.

Always be ready to serve seconds: When people ask for seconds, it means that a baker or chef has done their job well, and having extra food indicates their confidence in the quality of their culinary creation. In much the same way, government officials must be ready to continue advancing their ideas and initiatives if/when the public is ready to move forward. This allows for increased public confidence in their government, which is always thinking ahead and ready to respond to their needs.

When the heat is turned up, chefs and local government officials have to thrive, and if they are not equipped for the job then they need to get out of the kitchen. Whether it is feeding an ornery, hungry five year old fresh bread or a community the change and stability that they have longed for, being organised, paying attention to timing, engaging with critics, and being prepared to continue moving forward are all crucial to ensuring a happy customer.

These lessons are now more important than ever, because baking and breaking bread heals our communities.

Bon appétit and good luck! — Mark Pruhenski

(Photo credit: Unsplash)

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