The Culinary Craft of Investigations: Ingredients for Success
By: Dean Benard
The holidays are a time of indulgence – whether it’s savouring a perfectly spiced gingerbread cookie, crafting a rich holiday roast, or enjoying a festive cocktail with friends. We gather, we celebrate, and, let’s be honest, we eat a lot. But behind every holiday favourite is a recipe, carefully followed (or joyfully improvised) to create something memorable.
As we head into this season of food, drink, and celebration, it struck me how much investigations resemble the art of cooking. Just as a holiday meal requires preparation, quality ingredients, and a dash of creativity, investigations demand the same thoughtful approach to achieve a meaningful outcome.
So, as you dive into your favorite holiday traditions, let’s take a moment to explore how the lessons of the kitchen can inspire the craft of investigations. Because whether you’re whipping up a festive feast or tackling a challenging case, the recipe for success might be closer than you think.
Investigations, like great cooking, are an art form. While they may seem formulaic at first glance – just follow the steps, right? But true mastery requires intuition, creativity, and a deep understanding of the ingredients at hand. A perfect investigation, like a perfect meal, isn’t just about the outcome. It’s about the process: the preparation, the execution, and the way it all comes together.
So, let’s step into the kitchen of investigations and explore how the principles of great cooking can transform the way you approach your investigation work.
- Mise en Place: Getting Organized Before You Begin
Every great chef starts with mise en place – a French term that means “everything in its place.” (Don’t ask how I know this, but it could have something to do with having two daughters who are foodies) Before the cooking begins, ingredients are prepped, tools are laid out, and the recipe is reviewed. This meticulous preparation ensures the chef can focus on the process, not scrambling to find a missing ingredient mid-meal.
In investigations, mise en place is about planning. It’s reviewing the case, gathering the necessary resources, and creating a roadmap for your work. The more thorough your preparation, the smoother the investigation will flow. Great outcomes start with great preparation.
- Choosing Quality Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Success
A chef is only as good as their ingredients. Even the most skilled chef can’t salvage a dish made with subpar produce or stale spices. Investigators, too, rely on the quality of their “ingredients” -the evidence, the interviews, and the data they gather.
But quality isn’t just about what’s available; it’s about knowing where to look and choosing wisely. Just as a chef seeks the freshest produce or the finest cuts of meat, an investigator must prioritize reliable, relevant, and compelling information. What you put into the process determines what you get out of it.
- Following the Recipe: The Science of Methodology
Recipes exist for a reason, as they provide structure and guidance. For novice cooks, they’re essential. But great chefs know when to follow the recipe and when to deviate, using their instincts to adapt to what’s in front of them.
Investigations are no different. Methodology provides the structure for fairness, consistency, and accuracy. But there are moments when intuition takes over – when an unexpected lead requires you to pivot or when you sense there’s more to a witness’s story than they’re letting on. Mastery comes from knowing when to stick to a plan and when to deviate and shift your strategy.
- Tasting as You Go: Adjusting Along the Way
Great chefs constantly taste their food, adjusting for seasoning, balance, and flavor. They don’t wait until the end to find out something’s off. Investigators must adopt this same mindset.
As you gather evidence or conduct interviews, pause and reflect. Is the story consistent? Does the evidence align? Are there gaps you need to fill? Regularly assessing your progress ensures the final product is cohesive and satisfying. Small adjustments along the way prevent big mistakes at the end.
- The Heat of the Kitchen: Managing Pressure and Chaos
The kitchen during service is a whirlwind of activity – orders flying in, pans sizzling, and chefs moving in perfect sync. But it’s not without stress. The ability to stay calm under pressure, maintain focus, and adapt to the unexpected is what separates good chefs from great ones.
Investigations often feel like this too. Deadlines loom, surprises pop up, and the stakes can feel high. The best investigators keep their cool, staying methodical even in the face of chaos. Grace under pressure turns challenges into opportunities.
- Plating the Dish: Delivering the Final Product
The moment of truth for any chef is plating the dish. It’s not just about flavor – it’s about presentation. How the meal looks can elevate the entire experience. Similarly, in investigations, your final report is your “plated dish.”
A well-written report doesn’t just present facts; it tells a story. It’s clear, concise, and organized, making it easy for the “diner” (reader / stakeholder) to understand and trust the information gathered is accurate and complete, and any conclusions are reliable and defensible. A poorly presented report, no matter how good the evidence, can leave a bad taste. Presentation is the bridge between effort and impact.
- The Post-Meal Reflection: Learning for the Next Round
After the last plate has been served, chefs reflect. What worked? What didn’t? How can the dish or the process be improved next time? Investigators, too, benefit from post-case reflection.
Take the time to review your work. Were there missed opportunities? Did the process flow smoothly? Continuous improvement ensures that each investigation you conduct builds on the last. The best professionals are always learning, always growing.
Why Investigations Are Like Great Cooking
Both investigations and cooking require a blend of science and art. They demand preparation, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. And while the tools and techniques might differ, the philosophy is the same: the process matters as much as the outcome.
So, the next time you approach an investigation, think like a chef. Prepare thoughtfully, choose quality ingredients, trust your instincts, and always, always taste as you go.
Because when you combine skill, creativity, and care, the result is something people will remember – a perfectly crafted dish, or a perfectly executed investigation.
Enjoy the holidays folks and think about the work that went into that meal when you enjoy it!
