Working a Shift in Another Coffee Shop

Today's post is all about etiquette. When you work for a large company, like Coffee Shop X, it is possible that someone from another store might have to fill in to fill out a shift on any given day.

I have not yet been sent to another store to do this, probably because of how new I am, so I am writing all of this keeping in mind that I don't have any first hand experience as "that person."

However.

There are some basics that I really feel like should be understood by everyone. Should really be followed by everyone, without anyone having to suggest it. Some examples may be useful.

*Don't demean the store you are filling in at
*Don't spend more time "correcting" the people you're working with than working
*Don't comment on how amazing your own store is more than three, maybe four, times
*Do try to do anything you can to help, even if you are normally a supervisor
*Do find positive things to comment on (even if it isn't directly about the store)
*Do be friendly with the regulars when they speak to you
*Don't flirt with someone to the extent that you don't hear a drink being called

Basically, I think what I'm saying here, is it's just common courtesy to be considerate when you visit another person's "domain". I mean, smiling and speaking in a pleasant voice is good. But it doesn't cut it. There has to be some substance. You can't come in and take over. And you certainly can't come in and be bossy to the extent that work is hampered when what is really needed most is a helping hand.

I'm sure my day will come. The call from the manager that I need to cover a shift at another store. And I hope I will be able to follow my own guidelines. Because let me tell you: two and a half hours of my day today were unnecessarily long and frustrating.