I just became a trainer and the steps to excellence is helpful. I just finished my second day with my first trainee and having confidence in yourself and teaching abilities is really important. You’re going to have to go through a class and during that you’re going to pretend to be training the “trainee” on how to steam milk but training an actual new person is different. There is also a module about teaching that you’ll be assigned to complete. The first day is hard. It’s really hard because you don’t want them to fail but you question if you’re cut out to train someone. Once you find your flow and rhythm things will be easier. I was doing a coffee tasting/pairing and teaching cold bar this morning and it felt like the most natural thing in the world. I get nervous that I go too fast but if the trainee understands it that’s the most important thing. I emphasize that it’s ok to ask questions and that their fellow partners are there to help support them. I use my personal experience as an example. Like I’ll say ‘I have been with Starbucks for 6 years and it took me a while to get a handle on bar.’ ‘I’ve been with the company for a while and sometimes I still struggle with such and such a thing.’

Look up steps to excellence (coaching especially) on Partner Hub. Super useful stuff!