Baristas May Be the Best Employees in the Business

Unpacking how the soft skills developed behind the coffee counter create potentially exceptional hires for businesses and organisations.

In today’s society, a degree has long been seen as a ticket to professional success. However, as the world evolves, so does the understanding of what truly makes an exceptional employee. While academic qualifications are important, they are not the be-all and end-all they once were. As technical information becomes increasingly more accessible to the masses, the real game-changers in the workplace are those that possess a rich array of soft skills. These are the abilities that enable us to navigate complex social environments, adapt to change, and work harmoniously with others. Once overlooked as résumé filler, these skills are now proving to transform good employees into great ones.

Organisations and companies invest considerable time and resources into recruiting employees they believe possess the perfect skill set for their specific circumstances or advertised roles. They sift through resumes, conduct multiple rounds of interviews, and get excited about candidates who look great on paper and perform well during interviews. Yet, too often, these promising candidates falter when confronted with challenges their formal education didn’t prepare them for.

They might excel in theory but struggle with the practical demands of the job, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, empathy and adaptability. So, if these critical soft skills are often the difference between success and failure, why do we continue to undervalue them in our hiring processes?

Creating a great team culture relies heavily on the type of people within the team, rather than than the qualification they have attaned or the aesthetics of their appearance.

When Soft Skills Surpass Technical Skills

Picture a project manager leading a diverse team through a complex project. While a degree in project management offers essential knowledge, the real magic lies in their ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and keep the team motivated. Any role that involves customer service hinges on the application of soft skills, where handling a frustrated customer with empathy and calm can turn a negative experience into a positive one. No degree or technical training can teach that level of emotional intelligence. A formal education in marketing or business provides a great foundation to knowing what to do, but knowing what to do and being able to execute it are two completely different beasts. Being able to build genuine relationships and understanding with clients’ needs will ultimately lead to more sustainable long-term success, more effectively than hanging a rubber-stamped piece of paper on the wall. Yes, technical skills are valuable, but it's the mastery of soft skills that truly drives success and makes a lasting impact.

Now here comes the tangent…

I want you to consider the stereotypical barista.

If I were a betting person, we’d most likely all have pictured someone with a hipster flair, pouring intricate latte art while discussing the latest indie bands. The irony here is that beneath the seemingly superficial image, baristas are honing skills that many degree holders struggle to master. Being a barista might just be the ultimate crash course in developing crucial soft skills that organisations and businesses crave. Making the local coffee shop the Harvard equivalent for emotional intelligence and adaptability.

At first glance, their job might seem straightforward, but the skills required to excel in this role are both nuanced and invaluable across various professions. However, when we peek past the freshly roasted single-origin beans and that friendly face handing over our morning elixir of life, we uncover someone who might just be the most hireable individual we've ever encountered.

Your local barista might just be the secret weapon in transforming your company’s culture.

The lesson learnt at the coffee shop college

1. Mastering the Art of Working Memory

Ever watched a barista juggle multiple orders with ease, handling different tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat? Their ability to manage and recall several orders at once while keeping track of other responsibilities is a testament to their working memory skills. Imagine bringing that same level of efficiency and organisation to your workplace, balancing responsibilities like a pro. This ability to multitask and prioritise effectively is a critical asset in any professional setting.

2. Culture Creators

Have you ever felt instantly welcomed by a barista who remembers your name and favourite drink? This simple act of personal recognition creates a sense of belonging and loyalty. What if we all prioritised making our clients and colleagues feel equally valued and appreciated? Creating a positive and inclusive culture can significantly enhance workplace morale and productivity.

3. Attention to Detail

How about those intricate latte art designs? They reflect a barista’s meticulous attention to detail and their repeated effort to produce an outcome they are proud of. This same level of precision can be applied to any task, ensuring high-quality and flawless results. Whether it’s crafting a detailed report or fine-tuning a marketing strategy, attention to detail is key to excellence.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility

Notice how baristas effortlessly adapt to busy shifts and unexpected changes? Embracing change with grace, quickly adjusting to new projects and team dynamics, is essential in today’s fast-paced work environment. This skill ensures that employees remain effective and composed, even amidst chaos.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

Have you ever observed the rhythmic flow of baristas working seamlessly together in a production line, sharing tasks and supporting each other? The ability to delegate tasks and support each other fosters a positive and productive team environment where everyone thrives. This spirit of cooperation is crucial for achieving common goals and driving success.

6. Consistency and Reliability

Have you tried creating a barista-made coffee at home? The standard and reliability of your own ‘cup of joe’ often doesn’t compare. Consistency builds trust and reliability, which is why the out-of-home coffee culture in Australia alone in is a multi-billion dollar industry. In any job, delivering consistent results and building trust with colleagues and clients is fundamental to long-term success.

7. Patience and Empathy

Have you heard some people’s coffee orders? Just because Karen likes her extra dirty chai latte on almond milk tempered to 60.7 degrees Celsius, our baristas get to work on it straight away without any fuss, because Karen likes, what Karen likes. Developing this same empathy, listening to others, and responding thoughtfully creates a supportive and inclusive workplace.

8. Resilience Under Pressure

Ever watched a barista stay calm and composed as they sprinkle just the right amount of cocoa on a cappuccino during the hectic morning rush? Maintaining focus and productivity, even in high-pressure situations, is a valuable skill that can lead to outstanding performance in any role.

9. Passionate

Have you asked a barista a question about coffee before? Prepare to relinquish the next 25 minutes of your life listening to a passioned monologue on the humble bean. Bringing this level of enthusiasm and dedication to any role fosters continuous improvement and excellence. Passion drives innovation and a commitment to high standards.

A New Professional Paradigm

While technical skills and academic qualifications remain important, the ability to master soft skills is increasingly recognised as a critical factor for success. In an era where professional skills can be readily acquired through various platforms, soft skills stand out as the differentiators that set top employees apart. Baristas not only juggle multiple tasks, remember detailed orders, and manage to stay calm and friendly during the busiest times. They create welcoming environments, making customers feel valued and appreciated with a simple smile or remembering a regular’s favourite drink. The attention to detail in crafting a perfect latte, the adaptability to handle sudden rushes, and the teamwork required behind the counter all contribute to a skill set that's incredibly transferable to any profession. Degrees might open doors, but valuing the development of soft skills will help you thrive once you're inside.

Developing soft skills through experience place baristas at the top of the pile when it comes to managing multiple tasks, adapting to change, communication and customer service

The Take Away

While degrees and formal education play an important role in building knowledge and expertise, it's the often-overlooked soft skills that truly make someone shine in the workplace. The humble barista, often stereotyped for their hipster appearances and latte art obsessions, might actually hold the secret to mastering these invaluable skills. As an organisation or business that prioritises effectively managing tasks and customer service to teamwork and adaptability, a barista may possess the rich array of abilities your profession is in search of.

For parents and educators having conversations with children about their future career paths, why not encourage them to embrace the art of coffee making as a stepping stone in their personal development? They'll not only acquire the highly transferable and essential soft skills like communication, patience, and resilience, but they will also be able to brew you your extra dirty chai latte tempered to 60.7 degrees Celsius every day. And who knows? They might just emerge from behind a coffee counter, armed with the perfect blend of soft skills and their future employer’s morning espresso.