One time my manager told me to connect to my customers and I had literally just finished connecting with the one at the window. Starbucks seems to not understand how a conversation works. It's not nonstop talking that can end on a dime. I just can't get over how stupid fucking customer connections are.

I feel like the only way to make Starbucks realize that customers don't want to connect is to connect with them as much as your SSV's want you to so that the customers will complain to corporate about it.

I wish they would understand that like...I'm a barista that works drive thru myself and I virtually never want to make conversation with the person at the drive thru window when I do it, Starbucks or otherwise. Most of the time I am silently BEGGING them to not talk to me. It's so awkward and I'm anxious enough as it is without having to make small talk. Customers don't WANT to talk to us! Forcing conversation like that isn't "connecting", it's making them uncomfortable.

If the opportunity arises (someone comes through with a dog, so I ask their name, dude came into cafe the other day with a five year old and I asked him for his order directly, stuff like that), then sure! Cool! But I'm not going to push it of a customer isn't engaging. That's so weird and pushy, and I'm even really extroverted.

I'm a bit awkward myself when it's obvious some guests don't want to connect. Usually, I just lean on the little window bar, relax my shoulders, and comment on the weather; looking beyond the person in front of me.

Like: relaxed body language/ speaking to myself out loud "Wow, it sure did clear up out here- what a nice day..." kinda' trailing off with no pressure or implication. Most customers will engage with a nod or affirmative mumble. If they engage me further I'll talk a bit more about myself so they don't feel pressured to compensate in the conversation. Like "man I had plans to hike after work but I think that cloud has other plans for me..." etc.

Just show you're busy. Avoid eye contact with your shift lmao. You're doing a great job! Don't let mini-managers get to ya' friend :)

Now I say this with kindness... at least you don't close the window.

We have a great new girl. She is kinda shy, she's quite and timid. But every single customer, she closes the window.

I never thought that would be 'wrong' or 'feel weird' but it does. As a trainer I've tried discussing it with her but geez she hasn't learned. She is maybe 2-3 months old. At least you don't do that. (not saying that closing the window is wrong, just situation based. I close the window if the customer is smoking, loud on the phone or has been super rude and crossed that line).

Customer Connection is a crazy concept anyways.

I think that shift should be spending more time finding out why your line isn’t moving instead of breathing down your neck. Why isn’t the beverage or food ready when the customer arrived at the window? Get your ass to the bar or the ovens, dear Shift and find out where the hold up is. It’s easy to connect with a moving line so get a move on!

I remember when I worked for Starbucks and don’t get me wrong I loved working for the company and all that jazz. The only little advice I learned while I worked there is that: You can’t make everyone happy. It’s not your responsibility to make them happy. I say that because I was that type of person that would go out of my way to make a customer feel happy even if they were having a bad day. With that being said you be yourself. The main thing that really matters (in my opinion) is how you feel. If you feel happy (sometimes you’ll have happy costumers). Lastly, you keep being the best person that you can be every day and screw those who try to put you down.

I’d say something like I’m connecting with customers in the way that they would like to be connected with. If they leave feeling satisfied and like they have everything they need, that’s what’s important. Pissing someone off by constantly talking at them or asking them questions when they might be having the worst day of their life is not connecting! It’s insecurity in your connections.

I always get the highest customer connection scores/good reviews posted so I’ve built up trust with my team - they know if I’m not talking to a customer in DT or cafe, I’ve made a judgement call. It might just be that you need to build up trust with your team which can take time. But I’d try explaining this so they know you’re not just ignoring them. They’re probably being told to tell you anyway.