Former partner here. I wasn’t an SSV but just make sure that your opening partner is getting the brewing done quickly and running tabs through the bars. Make sure they’re making enough iced coffee and teas and don’t prioritize the food display (if your store does that). Make sure that your opening barista is able to stay focused on side tasks (stocking ice, making any backups, drains) when there’s downtime.

Tips for delegating--it can help if you are very direct/ concise and make eye contact. Make sure baristas acknowledge what you said so you know they know. Age definitely should not be a factor in commanding respect but thats a p.o. of mine, lol. I would be quick to remind them about who got the position.

Good luck! It is not as difficult as it seems. Make sure you keep your communication up between everyone and just be attentive. Lists can be very helpful if you are worried about tasks / break runs. Remember to be easy on yourself, you are still learning!

I’ve been a shift for over a year now and I find giving the baristas a list of things to do when I open is super helpful! After I take my temps and count the tills when I’m doing my milk count I take a look around the store and see what needs to be done (restocking, drains, making backups, whips, etc) and I’ll write out a list and hang it with a magnet in the center of our pos’s. This is super helpful for me bc I don’t have to micromanage while I’m putting away the order and doing all of my shift things in the morning. This way we’re all being productive and I know things are getting done that will put us in a position to have a smooth peak/day and you don’t explicitly have to tell people what to do, it’s almost like they’re just following the OPS cards.

I also agree with the person who mentioned breaks! Morning shifts can be a little stressful sometimes so make sure you’re keeping an eye on when to give people breaks. I always write in the times I plan I giving people their breaks on the DCR, and make sure to check it every once in awhile to see who’s break is up next and how much time I have until then.

When I first became a shift I was super nervous but you learn as you go and with practice you’ll be great at everything! Delegating isn’t too bad just obviously don’t play favorites and make sure you put in work yourself. You’re in charge of the floor so you want things to run smoothly. Put yourself in a position you can support your whole team and make sure they know that’s what you’re there to do. Don’t stress you’ll be great! Good luck :)

Don't forget breaks, it can put you behind. Listen to your team and their needs. Be direct and tell them exactly what you need. Be sure to delegate. Give them time limits and check on progress. I have people on my team that get distracted easily and need reminders to finish their assigned tasks. They will also try to put off getting the restock done in the morning and then we are screwed when the peak hits.

As a SSV (partner for 3 years total and SSV for 2 year now) that was one of the hardest things and how you handle this can and will affect what type of SSV you will be. No matter what when a barista gets promoted to a SSV there will always be a change in how your baristas respect you. You need to work hard to regain that respect and show that you are here for them and you expect them to do their best when working with you as you will do the same. Me and another partner were promoted around the same time (she a month or two before me) and we handled that very differently. While i worked hard to learn my role and regain my baristas respect, she did the opposite and let it push her to just do the bare minimum (if that). Because of this i am a high performing SSV with baristas who always work hard but also get much relief when i'm the SSV working with them whereas when she has those same baristas they do not do the same level or quality of work because they aren't trying to work harder than their SSV so they dont(she will also be off the floor for ridiculous amounts of time while they get left to drown during really busy rushes). Just make sure to plan out breaks at the beginning of your shift and listen to your baristas and their requests (within reason) you want them to be able to come to you when they need help but you also don't want them to think of you as a pushover. Be firm but also caring and considerate of them. Be sure to not slack off and leave them for extended periods of time either!! If it becomes common they will notice and both resent you and have no respect for you. I'm sure you're going to do great though!!!! It's a tough job and a lot of work but it's really worth it when baristas tell you you're doing a good job or that they appreciate working with you especially when you always have their best interests in mind!! Honestly my baristas are the ones that keep me going and i'd like to think that i do the same for them.

Don’t let them walk all over you. You were promoted for a reason, remember that. This is more of a long term advice than in the moment.