Herman Wears A Chef’s Hat

Herman, one of our Team Leaders who happens to have culinary training, has been putting in time in the kitchen.

When Herman works in the kitchen, he wears a chef’s hat. 

The first time I saw him wearing it, I knew exactly what he was doing. When I was a production barista, I always brought my own tools with me: tamper, towels, brushes, etc. Sure the shops had tools on hand, but I didn’t see myself as just a coffee shop employee, I was a Barista. 

Putting on the hat or bringing in your own tools sends a signal. 

A signal to yourself: I’m a professional, I’m proud of my work, and I’m here to get down.
A signal to your team: We’re doing something special here. (plus all the above)
A signal to your guests: We care. You’re going to be well taken care of. (plus all the above)

These signals can come to define your culture. “We’re the kind of coffee shop where all our baristas bring in their own tampers.” or “Most coffee shop kitchen staff don’t see themselves as chefs, but ours do.”

What signals are you sending?