There are different ways in which a basic barista can learn to actively listen to customers and ask questions to understand their specific wishes:
- Practicing with colleagues: During slower moments, small role-plays can be done where you act as the barista and your colleague as the customer. Your colleague can create different scenarios where you, as the barista, have to listen and ask questions to understand the customer's wishes.
- Observation: You can observe other experienced baristas and see how they interact with customers. This way you can learn how others listen and ask questions.
- Asking for feedback: You can ask customers for feedback. Ask them how they experienced the service and if there is anything you could have done better to understand their wishes.
- Video analysis: You can record yourself while working and analyze the video later to see if there are moments where you could have listened and asked questions even better.
- Reflection: After each working day, you can reflect on your interactions with customers and think about how you can better listen and ask questions to understand their wishes.
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Discuss with your coach which methods you will implement to acquire this skill. The goal is to improve your skills in accurately collecting information about coffee as a beginning professional and become a real coffee expert.
Together with your supervisor and coach, you determine when you have developed these skills sufficiently and earned your badge. Personalize your badge and make it more valuable by adding your unique learning process and achievements. This way, potential employers and customers get a better idea of your dedication to coffee excellence and the specific skills you have developed. Show that you are a real coffee expert!