5 Traits for a Barista

Working with many baristas over the years we have found the best have had the following traits :

1 - Be a diligent worker and team member. If less experienced always turn up and expect to start simple jobs and work upward, do the dirty jobs well and show you have no issue with it. Show interest in progression and it will be seen to. Do not expect to jump on responsibilities quickly such as steaming milk during a busy period a few days after joining. Always treat your colleagues and customers with respect and understanding, expect mistakes to be made, we are all human and have bad days. No matter your role and skill capabilities, whatever the job given from front service, runner to barista do it with diligence and discipline. Your position in the team and opinion will be valued if you show you are willing to work well in the team for the success of the business. You are there to help the business succeed not to shine the light on yourself.

2 - Work clean. Nothing worse for your team or a customer to watch and work with a barista in a hot flustered mess. Avoid looking at your phone or eat/drink in view of customers whilst behind the bar or unless on break, 100% of your attention should be on attending to customers and presentation/cleanliness. . Every chance you get, clean and organise your area. If busy and the tickets are still coming in just take 20 seconds just to clean down your area. Makes a big difference to your quality of work.

3 - Be self aware. Self aware to your team, listen and watch to what your team needs and when. If something needs doing do not assume another team member will do it, volunteer yourself first so its done. If the bin is full, take it out. If you see a table is dirty, clean it. When your colleagues make a mistake in service or mess up an order, avoid belittling, blaming or arguing during service, help them correct it and move on. Be self aware to your customers, stay mindful of what you say or do i.e conversations about personal matters, relationships or anything that can make a customer feel uncomfortable.

4 - Be friendly but know the limit. Know when to stop a conversation with your colleagues or a customer so as to not ignore service or build a que. Good friendly service is important but remember that not all customers want to talk or share their life with you, be conscious of customers who are open and those who are private.

5 - Keep Learning. Always look to improve your knowledge and share it without being patronising. Do not assume you will be taught or handed everything you need. Take advantage of every resource available for self study, blogs, YouTube channels, talking to/watching other baristas work.

The skills to be a great barista can be taught. Everyone has different aspirations working as a barista, some to progress to manager or roaster, for others it is a stop gap job for another job or career. Take time to understand what the business represents and what makes them different. as the barista, much like in every food/beverage business you are the face representing that business day in, day out and how you approach your work should reflect the principles and ethos of the business.