Okay, I’m a fairly new partner so I don’t have any experience on shift, but I can tell you things my shifts do that make my life as a barista more enjoyable:

-for difficult/annoying tasks that no one likes to do (like cleaning bathrooms or taking out trash), my shift makes us play Rock Paper Scissors so the tasks divisions seem fair and more enjoyable.

-make sure to frequently switch up the placements if possible, or ask if your baristas are doing well in their current placement or want to switch (if possible). No one wants to be on till/oven/cold bar their entire shift.

-make sure to take note of different people’s strengths/weaknesses. Since I’m fairly new, my shift knows I still need some assistance on bar when there’s a peak. Another barista is super fast on bar but awful at making customer connections or working on till. Also, something that makes me feel really good is when my shifts take the time to gently correct me when I make a mistake, or tell me that I’m doing a great job if I feel stressed. It makes me feel appreciated.

-DO NOT FORGET TO GIVE YOUR BARISTAS THEIR BREAKS. My shifts also occasionally make everyone take turns drinking water if it’s a particularly hot day.

-let your baristas know that you’re there for them and that you will be there if there are difficulties with customers/machinery/etc.

I can definitely tell a difference in the whole atmosphere of the store when we have a shift that cares and makes things fun vs a shift that is all cold and business and doesn’t care to check in on their baristas. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I really appreciate my good shifts and let them know that they’re doing well. Basically, you’re babysitting a lot of stressed out adults for your shift

honestly i have a little checklist of my tasks as an opener/mid/closer and it’s so helpful in the beginning to refer back to and now it comes so naturally! i used to struggle the most with giving breaks so i would number them on the DCR. i switch up everyone’s positions after their breaks through out the day to prevent burnout and so everyone is getting practice on everything. just communicate to them when you need to do shift stuff and you’ll be great! congrats on being promoted—you got this!