Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Training Green Beans: Suck it up! (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by Rare_Dragonfruit1885
As someone who is not necessarily the greenest but not necessarily the most experienced, I remember my awkward training days. I remember the stress and fear of being too annoying, and I know every other green bean has been there too.
Some of the people I’ve worked with are VERY impatient when it comes to green beans still getting into the groove - some people genuinely expect them to be perfect within like 2 weeks and get annoyed and snappy when they don’t have everything memorized past that point.
I’m sorry, I get you’ve been here for a long time, but you need to suck it up. Green beans (or any beans for that matter) are GOING to mess up no matter how much they go over the drink cards or study at home. They’re GOING to ask questions. There’s no use in trying to treat them like they’re veterans at this because they simply aren’t. Making them feel bad for questions and mistakes isn’t going to help, it just makes them more hesitant, and therefore slower and more inclined to mess up. At that point, your attitude towards them is super counterproductive.
This part is more about me complaining about my previous location, but they also did this with baristas who were neurodivergent, which is equally if not more screwed up. Having the absolute bare minimum of patience for green beans and neurodivergent baristas will serve their skills, and the atmosphere of the store, way better in the long run.
TLDR: No, green beans aren’t going to magically know what they’re doing. Yes, your impatience and snappiness slows their progress. It’s natural to ask questions and mess up. Patience is key.
Some of the people I’ve worked with are VERY impatient when it comes to green beans still getting into the groove - some people genuinely expect them to be perfect within like 2 weeks and get annoyed and snappy when they don’t have everything memorized past that point.
I’m sorry, I get you’ve been here for a long time, but you need to suck it up. Green beans (or any beans for that matter) are GOING to mess up no matter how much they go over the drink cards or study at home. They’re GOING to ask questions. There’s no use in trying to treat them like they’re veterans at this because they simply aren’t. Making them feel bad for questions and mistakes isn’t going to help, it just makes them more hesitant, and therefore slower and more inclined to mess up. At that point, your attitude towards them is super counterproductive.
This part is more about me complaining about my previous location, but they also did this with baristas who were neurodivergent, which is equally if not more screwed up. Having the absolute bare minimum of patience for green beans and neurodivergent baristas will serve their skills, and the atmosphere of the store, way better in the long run.
TLDR: No, green beans aren’t going to magically know what they’re doing. Yes, your impatience and snappiness slows their progress. It’s natural to ask questions and mess up. Patience is key.
mrbubblegxm 72 points 2y ago
plus not to mention. if u scare ur green beans then they won’t be as comfortable asking questions or asking for help later on. which only makes matters worse for everyone
BatWeary 32 points 2y ago
I definitely feel like it takes the right person to properly train a green bean. I’m a ‘veteran’ partner at my store and even though I’m not a certified barista trainer I’m constantly training (a BIG reason I strongly dislike training people). I have ADHD and my brain spazzes in 3637517 different directions. I can’t explain things and I’m a visual learner—so I’m a visual teacher, too. My beans always get so confused because my brain is essentially scrambled eggs and it makes me feel horrible. That being said I try to calmly explain things to a green bean when they come to me with questions, to the best of my ability, and try to keep in mind not everyone can master hot bar/cold bar in 2-3 weeks.
silversungoddess 10 points 2y ago
I know it’s not the point of your response but I hope if you’re training that they’re giving you the training bonus that goes with it
cringeqween13 16 points 2y ago
Other than the stuff on the computer, I didn't really have any formal training. I've been working for the Siren since mid February working on average 30+ hours a week. I'm almost always in the window. Pretty much everything I've learned has been learn as I go sorta thing.
golden_pinky 7 points 2y ago
You should start begging to be put on ba when it gets slow. That's the only way I got bar time.
cringeqween13 4 points 2y ago
I started to work some nights but even then I dont get much time and when I do get time on bar it's still a learn as I go.
chstarr7 3 points 2y ago
When I started I only worked morning shifts, and I never got bar time, I only got to do bar once I changed to closing and begged to be put on bar.
FfierceLaw 14 points 2y ago
Everyone of those impatient, unkind partners were new and intimidated at one time. Part of their problem now is that even though they are now experienced and mentally equipped, they are also under pressure and strained from an over abundance of demand and an under supply of staff. I try to keep that in mind as a greener bean and give them grace too. It seems to be working over time
[deleted] 13 points 2y ago
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vibecheckme 9 points 2y ago
We recently had a partner quit only a few weeks after his training because his trainer was so unkind and impatient. It was heartbreaking because the boy was getting so good at everything and it was really starting to click with him. Unfortunately he did have to put his mental health first and find another job. It’s such a shame because when you go through all the barista trainer modules and training you KNOW what you’re getting yourself into. Why would you even train if you know you don’t want to deal with slower less experienced baristas???
ladytaters 1 points 2y ago
I was a trainer for almost 10 years with the bux. And infuriatingly the situation you describe happens relatively often. I almost lost one of the best partners I'd ever trained and worked with because the SM didn't think he was going to make it, despite having only been there for a month and progressing normally.
It's easy to get frustrated with someone learning if you're a veteran of a job. That was part of why I wanted to be a trainer; it helped remind me that not everyone knows everything about the business and that everyone starts somewhere.
It's easy to get frustrated with someone learning if you're a veteran of a job. That was part of why I wanted to be a trainer; it helped remind me that not everyone knows everything about the business and that everyone starts somewhere.
neverhadtheballs 6 points 2y ago
I’m sorry but I don’t know what neurodivergent is, do you mind explaining?
Rare_Dragonfruit1885 [OP] 18 points 2y ago
Of course! It basically refers to people whose brains function differently from the typical/expected human brain. Examples are ADHD/ADD, autism, OCD...
Not slower or less capable necessarily, just learn better in ways that aren’t typical
Not slower or less capable necessarily, just learn better in ways that aren’t typical
neverhadtheballs 1 points 2y ago
Ohh okay, I guess I never heard those referred to as neurodivergent, thank you! And I’m sorry you’re going through this I know plenty of people who have been there but I promise it will get easier. Just ask your partners to be patient with you and if they aren’t then screw them tbh
pixieuppercut 4 points 2y ago
Neurodivergent trainer here. 1000% agree. The beans 9.5/10 are trying their best to remember all the information that's been tossed at them, but it's a lot. Thankfully my current store is very understanding so I haven't encountered problems.
I ask partners that are frustrated to think about how they felt when they were new. I'm sure they felt like a chicken with their head cut off like I did.
I ask partners that are frustrated to think about how they felt when they were new. I'm sure they felt like a chicken with their head cut off like I did.
[deleted] 2 points 2y ago
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[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
Printed this
Smurphflamingo 1 points 2y ago
I had a green bean train at a different store for the week and she said she about quit and not show up to our store cause they were so horrible to her.
Papioem 1 points 2y ago
Never mind...
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