So I have another article up on CoffeeGeek under "the BGA files," thanks to Mr. Mark Prince and his continuing support of the Barista Guild.
It's called "The Baristas' Code of Conduct."
I've been getting some intriguing feedback on it... I'd love to hear more. I'm all about "continuing the discussion."
Thoughts?
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I liked it very much. All those points about service are where we can slip up. As a barista, we are stewards of the coffee, but service is our job first and foremost.
ReplyDelete.... the coffee industry is polluted with primadonnas, and we call em out when we see em. It's not just baristas. Problem is that baristas are the hand that serves the consumer. Your intention is distilled into the drink and, that may remain the consumer's impression of "coffee people".
I thought the article was very thoughtful. You hit on some great points Nick. I think what we as baristas of the Third Wave need to do is not only continue to educate ourselves, but also begin to really educate our customer base. Thanks for article.
ReplyDeleteb
Echoing parts of what Bronwen and Trish said, I think a few code rules are still missing and should be addressed. So far, it was all about Barista Barista Barista (which was good stuff, btw). How about some conduct rules about who the Barista are serving, day in and day out:
ReplyDelete- How to handle all types of customers - that means both the 24oz, quarter shot latte customer and the "know it all", and everyone in between.
- A Barista must not fall into the trap we see oldbies get into - that you never know *everything* about coffee. Realise that even if you are a legit rockstar Barista (tm), there's always going to be some people out there who know more about espresso than you do. Use that to your advantage.
And who knows... maybe a code rule on how to avoid the whole 'tude with tattoos thing ;)
Mark
"'tude with tatoos!".... love it mark.
ReplyDeleteLOL! The irony is, some of my most favourite Baristi sport tatoos; but for everyone of them, there seems (in the PNW at least) to be five or ten who come off as complete snobs behind the bar, and the thing is, they don't really know the score.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just my thinking either - witness the "Barista Action Figure" with its tattoos and the faux Starbucks apron.
There's a famous quote I read once in a book that's always stuck with me: "arrogance breeds ignorance and vice versa". I can always take a heap of arrogance behind the bar if it's backed up in the cup. I think I specifically told that to a (now former) Barista at hines one day when he pulled me what was one of the best shots I've had in months, after giving me heaps of 'tude before doing it (no, he didn't know who I was either ;)).
But it's true - probably more for me than anyone else - arrogance can breed ignorance. IMO, that would be a great Conduct rule to flesh out. The second wavers are filled with these types. The Third Wave hopefully will never be the same.
I love this article.
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