Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Customer connections (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by catbeetle
My shift supervisor keeps getting on me about customer connections and I don’t like explaining myself to her because I don’t want it to seem like I’m making excuses however I explained to her I find it hard to talk to customers when it’s peak and my main focus of making the drinks correctly. She said that I can’t communicate with customers then i basically have no future at Starbucks.
It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m only being criticized by her and I when I do make customer connections it goes ignored. I personally feel like customers would rather have their drinks done right rather than being asked where they got a shirt from.
I enjoy my partners but I find it difficult to work with this specific supervisor and it’s discouraging me from continuing to work with Starbucks at this point. I can deal with upset customers but my micromanaging supervisor is making it hard to work. I want to bring this up to my manager but I honestly feel like it won’t even matter if I do since I’m still new and I have been shown how I feel doesn’t really matter.
I don’t know what to do. Should I quit or bring it up to my manager when our partner evaluations are here?
It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m only being criticized by her and I when I do make customer connections it goes ignored. I personally feel like customers would rather have their drinks done right rather than being asked where they got a shirt from.
I enjoy my partners but I find it difficult to work with this specific supervisor and it’s discouraging me from continuing to work with Starbucks at this point. I can deal with upset customers but my micromanaging supervisor is making it hard to work. I want to bring this up to my manager but I honestly feel like it won’t even matter if I do since I’m still new and I have been shown how I feel doesn’t really matter.
I don’t know what to do. Should I quit or bring it up to my manager when our partner evaluations are here?
tinybugthief 7 points 1y ago
I’d start keeping track of things being said! It’s definitely something you can bring up with your manager before a pdc though if it’s causing you so much difficulty, I understand how it is and nobody deserves to work under that!
dazedandconfusedhere 4 points 1y ago
Bring it up to your manager. Also, if a shift is coaching you on doing something and you’re not finding that you can do it, ask them for some specific advice on how to do so. In this case, I’d say “I’m having a hard time connecting while I’m making drinks, without increasing customer wait time or making more mistakes. Do you have any tips on how to work on this or which aspect I should prioritize?” Also, pointing out ways that you’re trying to connect outside of in the middle of a drink - so making eye contact when handing off an order, greeting mobile order pickup customers, etc. - “Since I’m having trouble there, I’ve been working on doing xyz to connect in the meantime.”
Ultimately? It’s probably your SM pushing your SSVs to encourage customer connections, but your shift is not communicating effectively
Ultimately? It’s probably your SM pushing your SSVs to encourage customer connections, but your shift is not communicating effectively
catbeetle [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you. I definitely will bring it up during partner evaluations and ask her questions next time we run into that again. Which I’m sure will be soon 💀
Lost_Amoebaa 1 points 1y ago
I always ask open ended questions and use active listening! Your shifts can coach you on active listening if you desire. Good questions include “how is your day” or “any plans for your day?“
Sometimes starting with a compliment Is a good idea. If someone mentions they’re heading to work, I usually ask what they do. That sparks interesting conversations. If someone tells you they’re going to a concert, ask who they are seeing or where they are seeing them, then comment on the drive if any and wish them a good time+ a safe drive. Sometimes being extra wordy or “over the top” is good while waiting for drinks in the drive thru. I also like to ask if they need drink carriers, straws, stoppers, extra napkins if they’re not overly talkative customers to help fill time. Picking one open ended question and using it with every car is great for peak or practice. If someone gives you any information, ask about it! “My daughters dance recital is today” “oh, how exciting! What kind of dance is she learning?” “She is learning ballet” “ballet is so beautiful! You must be so proud of her. What’s your favorite thing about being a dance mom?”
Sometimes starting with a compliment Is a good idea. If someone mentions they’re heading to work, I usually ask what they do. That sparks interesting conversations. If someone tells you they’re going to a concert, ask who they are seeing or where they are seeing them, then comment on the drive if any and wish them a good time+ a safe drive. Sometimes being extra wordy or “over the top” is good while waiting for drinks in the drive thru. I also like to ask if they need drink carriers, straws, stoppers, extra napkins if they’re not overly talkative customers to help fill time. Picking one open ended question and using it with every car is great for peak or practice. If someone gives you any information, ask about it! “My daughters dance recital is today” “oh, how exciting! What kind of dance is she learning?” “She is learning ballet” “ballet is so beautiful! You must be so proud of her. What’s your favorite thing about being a dance mom?”
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