PROFESSIONALS COMMIT to EXCELLENCE!
I’d change this to “Clearly, the employees in this bar seem disinterested. They lack the energy and desire necessary for their roles.” The most glaring problem with that though is that any mature responsible contributing member of society earning their living at something as a paid professional team player should NOT be behaving with disinterest, with indifference, or with task avoidance. 1
In the dynamic world of bartending, the smooth transition between shifts is crucial for maintaining high-quality service that delights every end consumer. I believe that overcoming challenges, such as a morning shift repeatedly not properly preparing for the evening, or a previous day’s shift that habitually ignores cleaning is an opportunity to demonstrate dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity. The tasks simply have to be performed.
EMBRACING CHALLENGES AS OPPORTUNITIES
It’s essential to approach every workday with the goal of delivering exceptional value to our patrons and the establishments we serve. When faced with underpreparedness from previous shifts, I see a chance to shine—taking initiative to ensure everything is in top form. From restocking and cleaning to checking expiration dates, every task performed is a step towards enhancing our bar’s reputation and customer experience. The great players on every team always step up and excel in performance, and encourage other teammates to give their best, even helping show them how to do what’s difficult.
POSITIVE WORKPLACE ATTITUDE
My strategy involves a proactive attitude towards work. If something is amiss, I take it upon myself to correct it, not as a burden, but as a privilege to uphold our bar’s standards. This includes helping colleagues, covering shifts, and embracing every duty with a smile. By doing so, I not only improve our operational efficiency but also foster a more collaborative and supportive environment. Leaders demonstrate and carry out the hard tasks consistently.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
I remain vigilant about potential health hazards like slime mold or bacterial growths, promptly alerting management to these serious issues. It’s part of my commitment to the health and safety of our customers and to the integrity of our business. Addressing these concerns is not about assigning blame but ensuring we all rise to the occasion to protect our patrons and our establishment’s future.
ADDRESSING THE CONCERN OF ENABLING
While some might view covering for others’ shortcomings as enabling poor performance, I see it as fulfilling my role to the utmost during my hours on the clock. My focus is always on maximizing our team’s effectiveness and the satisfaction of our customers. Getting those things done is everyone’s responsibility, which means that it’s my responsibility. It’s that simple.
TEAM DYNAMICS
The essence of a team lies in unity—working cohesively towards the shared goal of excellent service. Management’s role is to handle inconsistencies in team performance, but as a member, my role is to inject energy, enthusiasm, and expertise into every shift. If a day comes when my efforts no longer foster improvement or resonate with the team, I will seek opportunities that align better with my professional values.
CONCLUSION: A CALL TO PROFESSIONALISM
I invite my fellow bartenders, bar managers, and bar owners to adopt a perspective that prioritizes professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Let’s not settle for mediocrity. Instead, let’s aspire to be catalysts for positive change, ensuring that our bars not only meet but exceed the expectations of every guest. Together, we can transform challenges into triumphs and elevate the trade craft of professional bartending.
Site Author, David J. Curtis: David Curtis, a seasoned professional with decades of bartending and bar management experience began his career in Midtown Manhattan, NY, tending and managing bars before diving into Manhattan’s bustling nightlife club scene. Over the years, he has mastered high-volume, high-pressure bartending as the lead bartender in iconic Midtown clubs and tended bar briefly in the Wall Street area, generating over $1,350,000.00 annually in personal drink sales. He has since extended his expertise to establishments in Georgia and now Tampa in Exclusive Platinum Service Awards Clubs, Florida. David’s roles as a Bartending Instructor at the American Bartending School in Tampa, while maintaining a second job bartending, and his years experience of managing bars, and working as a Brand Ambassador along with his extensive professional library of over 1,000 bartending books, highlight his dedication to continually refining his craft. He holds a diploma in Bar Management and is BarSmarts certified by Pernod Ricard.
Footnotes 👇
- When employees appear disinterested and lack energy, it can significantly impact team dynamics and morale. This lack of enthusiasm tends to spread, potentially leading to diminished team spirit as other members may feel demotivated or unsupported. Consequently, the collective drive to achieve team goals can weaken, making it challenging to maintain productivity and deliver high-quality service. To foster a positive team environment, it’s crucial to identify the root causes of this disengagement and address them effectively, thereby reinvigorating the team’s commitment and enthusiasm.[↩]
