497: Caught in the Middle: Answering Questions from Frustrated Management

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

The first place you're going to see burn out in the coffee bar is in the position of management. These lucky people are not only given the task to lead the team and serve them with their role, but they are also accountable to their bosses, creating a feeling of being caught between two different groups that they have to please in their work.

Almost without fail I am asked by managers over email or at conferences some version of the same question related to being frustrated at the lack of action from their boss, or that their boss is taking actions that are frustrating to them and to the team. These folks want to figure out how to navigate these situations that can often be demoralizing and creates tension in the café.

On today's episode, I am going to answer a few questions that have been sent to me that are related to this topic in hopes of creating some clarity and giving you some insights and next steps to take if you happen to find yourself in that place.

Questions we address:

• How can a lead barista or shift lead effectively navigate a situation where an owner consistently undermines their authority? What strategies can help build trust between the owner and the staff?”

• What are some effective ways to communicate with an owner who is very particular about small details, to help them see the bigger picture and trust their team

• What are some constructive ways to address conflicts with an owner, especially when it feels like their approach is demotivating or causing unnecessary stress among the team?

Related episodes:

• 141 : The 27 Challenges Managers Face w/ Bruce Tulgan
• 475: Essential Tools for Cafe Management
• 472: Why Technical Skill as a Leader is Not Enough w/ Jonathan Raymond, Refound, Author: Good Authority
• 067 : 6 Truths About Power : The Responsible Approach to Power Dynamics in the Cafe
• 373 : The Owner’s Role: 5 Behaviors for Effectiveness
• 483: Encore: 6 Essential Qualities of Coffee Shop Leaders
• Study the Rules

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