How Bartenders Can Stay Calm and Avoid Letting Small Issues Ruin Their Shifts
Bartending can be a challenging yet rewarding profession, filled with moments that test your patience and resilience. From grumpy customers to equipment malfunctions, a day in the life of a bartender often involves dealing with a variety of small issues that could easily derail your focus and enjoyment of the shift. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can remain calm and focused, ensuring that no small problem ruins your night.
1. Customer Service and Dealing with difficult Customers
Customer Service Techniques: When a customer is being gruff or even belligerent, the first and most crucial step is to maintain a calm and professional demeanor. Smiling and speaking in a serene manner can diffuse tension and often lead to the resolution of the situation. If a customer becomes overly rambunctious or abusive, it is important to remain polite and swift, wishing them well and politely escorting them off your premises if needed. Remember, the goal is to provide a positive experience for the majority of your patrons, so keeping one negative customer at bay doesn't make your shift worse overall.
2. Managing Physical Stress and the Accumulation of Small Troubles
Handling Physical Incidents: Sometimes, small incidents like broken glasses or spilled drinks happen—accidents that can weight heavy on the mind. Accidents can happen, and it is important to remember that every bartender has days where they encounter more than their fair share of mishaps. Instead of dwelling on these incidents, it is crucial to take a moment to step back, take a deep breath, and count to ten. This mental break allows you to regain composure before continuing on with the next task.
3. Preventing Overthinking and Dwelling on Annoying Issues
About the “Pop” in Beer Barrels: Another common issue bartenders face is the unexpected “pop” of a beer barrel. When a beer barrel bursts, it can lead to a frustrating loss of one of the day's key ingredients for your barrel-aged beers or a sudden rush of beer spillage. The first reaction might be to feel overwhelmed and might even lead to self-criticism. It’s important to remember, however, that a barrel can “pop” even with meticulous maintenance. It happens, and it’s not a reflection of your skill or reliability.
4. Adopting a Mindset of Acceptance and Focus
Mental Strategies: Whenever something goes wrong, it’s best to take a moment to process it mentally. While it’s natural to feel upset, it’s essential to internalize the frustration and let it go in order to move forward. A ten-second cursing session is permissible if it helps you vent, but remember to catch yourself before the negative emotions spiral. After you’ve processed the situation, turn your attention to the next task with renewed focus. Dwelling on setbacks only amplifies their impact and can significantly worsen your overall experience of the shift.
5. Tips for Shift Management and Stress Reduction
Strategies for Greater Control: Effective shift management can significantly reduce the occurrence and impact of small issues. Utilize tools such as checklists and inventory management systems to maintain a streamlined workflow. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for help from colleagues or have a backup plan in place for potential issues. Being proactive and setting yourself up for success can minimize the likelihood of small troubles happening in the first place.
Conclusion
From dealing with prickly customers to navigating minor mishaps, a bartender's role is to maintain a cool head and value each customer interaction and task with equal importance. By adopting strategies like deep breathing, quick thinking, and a focus on the present, you can ensure that no small issue detracts from the joy and satisfaction of serving your patrons. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and keep a positive outlook to have a fulfilling and memorable shift.