SSC (Part I)

Good morning… What can I get for you?

I hope you enjoyed the pastries yesterday... I made sure I gave the extras to the poor.

Did I ever tell you about the time I worked in the SSC? I didn't? Jeeze... How'd that slip my mind?

Yeah, I came to the SSC to lead the Orientation program. Imagine if you will, 20-30 new employees on their first day at Starbucks. I got to be their "welcomer" for a couple of years. I saw some interesting folks come through... and not just the participants. We were able to secure regular executive sponsors for the event. Nothing better than to be welcomed to the company by Howard... or Dave Olsen... people really remembered that.

The program was only 1 day when I inherited it and ballooned to 2 days a year later, with a survey issued 90-days later to see how things were going. I think people underestimated that program a bit. Think back to your first day on a job... and how excited you were... Did you have a desk set up? Did you have a phone? Did they look prepared for you? Did you manager greet you at the door or did you need to find your own way in the building? Basic needs are an important thing... Yeah, I think folks underestimated the power of that Orientation and having it on the first day employees arrived.

During the 2 days, we provided them with lunch... a nice touch I'd like to think. One time we even brought in baristas to make beverages for them. We kept it fun... we kept it moving. We took a class photo of every class... all in green aprons... the symbol of belonging to Starbucks.

I kept every class photo... at least until I left.

... and that was 7 years ago.

Have a good weekend. We'll see you Monday for your usual.

Pat Nerr…