Good morning... What can I get for you?Well... we've had enough bad news for you this week with declining comp sales, prices increasing and whatnot. Let's pep you up with your usual and a good remembrance.
Now many of you store managers will identify with what I'm talking about here. It is "the Golden Child". For those of you that don't know, the Golden Child is a star barista... starting right in the interview. I've had a few golden children over the years, but none stands out like a fella named Christopher. Clean cut, presentable, likable, easy going, realistic and able to deliver the "customer service power punch" like no one else. He was the partner you wanted say to others... "why can't you be like Christopher?" When baristas would try to BS their way into an Exceeds Expectations... he was the measuring stick of which to say, "If Christopher got an Exceeds, how do you think your performance compares to his?"
Yeah... that Christopher was a good guy. On top of all of his barista goodness, initiative, non-bitchiness, detail-oriented good guy manner... I hired him on 5/22... the same month/day I got hired. It's not often that the stars in alignment like that. Christopher was the kind of guy who picked up shifts, helped out his fellow baristas in a pinch, brought people gifts and made one helluva latte... the old fashioned way. He also was a looker... so in my suburban, 30K+ a week, stay-at-home mom with nothing to do, store... He brought in the lady customers. And they bought lots of lattes... and the store grew... and all was right in the world.
Thanks Christopher... you we're my #1 Golden Child... Here's a BRAVO for you. Your pin is in the mail. I was able to get one off of eBay for $4.20 with shipping.
He went off to Macalester to go to school after one heck of a summer. I'm sure he has his own store by now.
Thanks for coming in... We'll see you tomorrow for your usual.
Pat Nerr...
6 comments:
ha. my boyfriend is one of these golden children.
Pat, do you ever think you might come back? Maybe just as a barista Saturday mornings or something?
On another note, I find it funny that people prefer to give you praise on StarbucksGossip about this blog, instead of on this blog... Give it time I guess...
ha!... I've joked about coming back as a barista when I retire just for the benefits. The funny part is... I WAS a golden child... then I got into management.
I was a golden child too....and, got into management. As a manger, I was a golden child...until.
Pat, thanks for the blog. It reminds me of why I loved this company. It was hard work, but we had fun because we were working for something. Now, it's hard work because we are working for someone.
13 year partner, about to be promoted to customer.
b- You go... you find your dream job. They are still out there.
Gotta love those Golden ones! Thank you pat, you are awesome!
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