In the competitive realm of yachting, effective teamwork is crucial for success, yet Lara Rigby’s performance in Below Deck Down Under Season 3 raises questions about her suitability for the role of Chief Steward. From engaging in gossip about her colleagues to imposing unrealistic expectations, her actions appear to erode the crew’s cohesion, making it more challenging to navigate the high-pressure environment onboard.
Lara’s lack of camaraderie is particularly evident in her tendency to speak negatively about her peers, her relentless pursuit of perfection, and her emotional instability in stressful situations. Instead of nurturing a supportive workplace, her behavior tends to isolate her from her teammates, fostering a culture of criticism that could lead to deeper issues as the season progresses. Given these concerns, it is reasonable to question Lara’s aptitude for such a demanding leadership position.
Lara’s Hostile Start With Chef Tzarina
Tension Between Lara and Tzarina Fuels a Toxic Atmosphere
From the onset of Season 3, Lara showed a lack of interest in cultivating a positive working relationship with Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph. In one of her confessional segments, she dismissively referred to Tzarina as “weird Barbie, ”a comment that immediately signaled a contentious dynamic between the two. Rather than fostering camaraderie, such remarks showcased Lara’s tendency to judge hastily and her unwillingness to encourage a spirit of teamwork.
This type of disparaging talk not only undermines Tzarina’s role but also sets a concerning example for the rest of the crew. In the high-pressure yachting industry, where managing stress and maintaining strong relationships are key, any hint of discord can lead to unnecessary drama and inefficiency. By making such an unprofessional comment early in the season, Lara risked alienating an essential team member and establishing a negative trajectory for their charter season.
The tension didn’t stop there; during a heated exchange, Lara accused Tzarina of disorganization, provoking a sharp retort from Tzarina, which indicated her frustration with Lara’s leadership style. This confrontation illustrated the growing friction between the department heads and highlighted Lara’s reluctance to engage in suitable dialogue.
These public disputes constitute a detrimental dynamic that can permeate the entire crew, creating a toxic atmosphere. The severity of the situation prompted Captain Jason Chambers to step in as a mediator, indicating the profound implications of Lara’s inability to sustain a professional rapport with Tzarina. This discord not only impacts the productivity of their respective departments but also threatens the overall success of the charter.
Lara’s Quest for Perfection
A Management Style at Odds with Team Morale
Lara’s perfectionist mindset is strikingly apparent in her management of the interior team, where she often places service quality above fostering team spirit. She has a penchant for issuing stern directives with a focus on meticulous details, from maintaining immaculate cabins to ensuring polished cutlery and gleaming glassware. While striving for high standards is vital in the yachting sector, her uncompromising expectations leave little room for mistakes, resulting in increased anxiety among her team members.
This rigid approach is detrimental not just to morale but also to the overall functioning of the crew. Instead of motivating her team to succeed, Lara’s critical disposition may foster feelings of micromanagement and devaluation. True leadership requires a balance of discipline and support, much like how Captain Jason operates the vessel. Unfortunately, Lara’s relentless demand for perfection seems to be pushing her crew toward their limits, rather than inspiring excellence.
Already, her management style has triggered visible discord among the crew. In the season trailer, Lara’s stern commands to her stews, Brianna Duffield and Marina Marcondes de Barros, highlight her insistence on attaining perfection, hinting that her unforgiving standards could lead to further conflict and operational inefficiencies within the interior team.
Lara’s Struggles with Stress
Concerns Over Her Leadership Under Pressure
Beyond her private challenges, Lara’s stress levels are visible in her interactions with the crew, where she often comes across as tense rather than composed and proactive. Instead of confronting conflicts directly, she tends to internalize her frustrations, which could lead to emotional breakdowns or disengagement from her responsibilities. If Lara continues to struggle under the pressure, it could diminish not only her productivity but also the entire team’s effectiveness, putting guest satisfaction at risk.
Thus far, Lara’s behavior in Below Deck Down Under Season 3 indicates a misalignment with the collaborative ethos essential in the yachting industry. Her disparagement of colleagues, inflexible expectations, and emotional instability suggest that she may not be the cooperative leader the crew requires. For the sake of team unity and operational success, it may be imperative for Captain Jason to reassess Lara’s role within the team.
Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
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