Think like an owner, Empathize with a worker.

I am different. My mind works differently. I am very much aware of that.

I have come from a background of a family who are business owners. Successful people. Yet, as I grew up, I’ve always mingled very well with my family’s employees. They were really great friends and in some occurrences, treated me like family. I lived both worlds of being with owner and worker. With that realization , I see now why it makes more sense! Why I struggle, with the perspective I have, even at my current job.

I worked as a farmer, so I knew what was difficult and how to explain the process, and challenges better

I applied as Production in a Roastery (but mostly 93% working barista) and well…. I have brought myself to work every part of the chain, to understand what it’s like to be a worker, to know the challenges of being present in the actual job, and to understand what system works efficiently. Mind you, I’m not the kind of person who tries to get through my hours, just to call it a day. So in my mind, I plan my system of fulfilling bags of coffee, in the fastest way, or at the bar how to systematically serve and sling shots. (of course the job is more than that lol) . I, in my heart know, that I strategize with the purest intention of doing things in the easiest, fastest and most honest manner.

At the same time, I look through what matters in the greater scale of a business owner. Knowing “Why” things are done in a certain way, what morals do we stand for? and of course the reasoning of money is kept in mind as lives are needed to be sustained.

More at the same time, prior to working in coffee, I was a consumer. I was the receiving end of the product, I was the one asking for my coffee, asking questions, I was on the receiving end of that information. I had my assumptions on what’s good or what’s bad.

That’s why I learned of a greater understanding on how to speak in a manner that is truthful to the guest, and most empathetic to the parts of the coffee chain.

Anyways, my point is, not everyone will understand my “Why”s. I don’t just follow just because I am an employee. No. That doesn't work in my book. I am a servant of the people of the coffee industry. They are those who keep the industry alive and we need them to keep it a safe working space for them. They are the cheerleaders for the working force of this world! A cup of coffee is what keeps most of the world going. Remember, at least one cup of coffee is part of a routine for a billion people. As the cheerleaders of this world, my goal is to at least keep a system that will sustain those who are part of it.

I know the coffee chain is alot of its parts. Some are experts in 1, hold good knowledge in 2, are understanding of 3, and most empathetic of 4. I am on the latter. And if only that was appreciated for who I am, and why I stand for what I do,. If only it was valued, I believe there are greater things accomplished having me as a sidekick (partner/friend/trusted person/consultant/bff ha! whatever)

But until that perspective is valued, I guess it’s best to shut up and show how it’s done. As I also start my own, maybe it gives me more credibility to speak, having that experience. Sigh it’ll be hard, but I have to try.