1). Wear comfortable shoes.
Sometimes, looks don't matter. Comfortable, supportive footwear is incredibly underrated.
2). Smile no matter what.
Everyone has bad days. But in a restaurant, smiling directly translates to money, and is therefore a necessity. Taking someone's order when they're cradling a screaming child (aka "human siren"), is NOT fun. Smile through it, folks 'cause there's a fat tip on the other side.
3). You're not that great.
Everyone in the world thinks they're pretty great. Myself included. But there's nothing like having to bare-hand a sticky, fuzz-laden chicken tender off the floor to instill a bit of humility. Nobody is above these types of tasks, servers just do it for money.
4). Listen.
"What's that? You wanted your salad chopped, but not tossed, with diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes, no dressing, but oil and vinegar on the side, and 3.7 croutons? Easy enough." Listening intently when others speak is a sink or swim skill in life, and is quickly learned as a server.
5). Have a thick skin.
Some people are just miserable for NO reason. Carrying someone else's negative energy around is pointless, and letting it effect your mood hurts only you (and your tip percentage). Put up a force field!
6). Laugh when you're stressed.
Restaurants (and life) can get crazy. When the dinner rush hits and you're understaffed and out of every single thing you need, cracking a joke can make all the difference.
7). You are more than your job.
Regardless of whether you're the shortstop for the Yankees, CEO of Google, or a dishwasher at crappy backwoods diner, your identity is bigger than your vocation. Don't get discouraged if you feel stuck, hate your job, or want to do something bigger and better - you're job isn't who you are, it's just how you pay the bills.
8). Admit when you're wrong.
Everyone makes mistakes. Having the guts to call it out yourself demonstrates humility and diffuses tension.
9). Say "Sure," "No problem," and "Absolutely"
These phrases put others at ease by making them confident in your ability to accomplish what they've asked. Even if they're asking for something extraordinary, make them know you've got it all under control.
10). Think ahead.
When I eat out, nothing impresses me more than when a server brings something I'm going to need ahead of time. Continually ask yourself "What is my customer/boss going to need next?" Then do it without asking. People will notice.
11). Take risks.
Taking risks is scary, but the biggest payoffs often come from taking a chance. Cracking a joke in a big meeting, daring to contradict the majority, and suggesting unconventional solutions are all huge risks - but that's how progress is made.
12). Be a team player.
Assisting a coworker ALWAYS pays off. Always.
13). Ask for help.
Take the world off your shoulders and let somebody help.
14). Take compliments.
Someone comments on your sharp new haircut, what do you do? Deflect it? Reject it? or accept it? The best thing to do is smile, acknowledge the compliment with a gracious "Thank you," and tell them you appreciate them noticing.
15). Give compliments.
When you see something you like, voice your opinion. Everyone likes to be appreciated.
16). Be yourself.
Everyone is unique, but for some reason many people are afraid of showing their uniqueness. Are you wierd? Be weird. Nerdy? Be proud of it. Quirky? Own it. People are attracted to individuals who own who they are and show their authentic self to the world.
Dude out,
-C.R.
This was very insightful. Thanks!
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