Know when to coach on the spot versus off the floor.
Never put yourself in a planted position where you can not oversee your shift or make changes etc.
Only do what you can do. That sounds very plain but literally. Do not overload your plate.
Know your resources, most SMs do not want and can’t help you with every problem in the moment.
I think most important of all, build rapport with every single partner. You want them to be able to come to you about anything and trust you in dire situations.

For me personally, it’s being able to understand them as people individually. I think my approach is noticing what separates them and what specific things they’re great at. Then, it’s about being able to support them in those areas where I feel like I can be the most beneficial to them as a coworker and as a lead.

I try to approach each person I come across with a meaningful and personal connection. I think it’s been helpful to me to develop chemistry with everyone I work with, where we have a specific rapport, which helps in the long run.

Also, I think being confident and decisive enough to notice where the team might be struggling on a specific day. It took me awhile to recognize how (still getting used to it) observant you have to be while on the floor. I can be more introverted, more comfortable handling things myself, but as a lead, I had to break that skin. It’s about empowering partners to understand their required job elements, to the point it becomes routine and partners can handle most situations independently. With that said, I’ve had to direct and show other partners things that I never thought needed to be discussed, but they’ve done the same for me as a shift lead. It’s about continuing to grow every day collectively as a group.

You can DM me with more specific questions but my biggest advice is find a schedule that works for you. I’m our main closer so I have time goals to get everything done by. Like pull by this time, cold brew by this time, etc. It’ll make things run much more smoothly.

Also remember you’re a barista with extra responsibilities. Don’t plant yourself only doing shift dutites. It’ll stress out your baristas. If bar is struggling, run over to help, if DT is backed up (if applicable), DTO for a few minutes to help them catch up. This may sound a little confusing but like I said DM me with any specific questions. I’m in isolation currently with nothing to do 😂

these other comments are very well put-

this is what i have to say along with the other comments; you’re going to have to put yourself in the line of fire. stand up for your baristas. (most of the time) don’t argue with the customer. remember it’s just coffee, it’s not any money or loss out of your pocket if a customer is ANGRY remember there’s not much you can do to make the moment right, no matter what you give them they’ll always be upset. you just have to exit that situation knowing you did all you could to diffuse it.

partners wise make sure you take time to figure out the personalities of them all, with a group of green beans they will all take time for their personalities to fully come out. show them you’re open to communicating and are TRUSTWORTHY

make sure you’re always in a position where you can flex, always have your eye on all your partners
a good SSV will pay attention to partners figure out their stressors and the signs that they need to be moved into a different position. catching that early will make them feel comfortable with you

best of luck to you, but remember to take care of yourself. sometimes it can be a lot

Understanding. I feel like one quality of a good shift is being able to understand when someone makes a mistake or if something happens. One of my shifts understood the other day my reasoning for snapping or being a little harsh with her. I told her I felt like I was being crowded in cafe bar and while I appreciated the help the way I was being helped wasn’t what I needed. That and the stench of the drain water that wasn’t draining was giving me a headache.