I used to work at Dutch Bros, and it was definitely one of the most lively and positive places I’ve ever been part of. As a barista, I spent my shifts making drinks, taking orders, and most importantly, connecting with people. Dutch Bros has a vibe focused on making customers feel good, which helped me build strong customer service skills. Every shift was a chance to make someone’s day a little better, and that was something I always looked forward to.
One of the biggest takeaways was learning to handle pressure. During rush hours, the drive-thru line would be packed, so staying organized and quick was a must or else everything would turn even more chaotic. I learned to stay calm, manage my time, and keep up the energy even when things got hectic. This kind of experience in a high stress environment really prepared me for future jobs by teaching me to manage stress and keep my cool. According to Buckingham and Coffman (2016), the best managers create environments where employees feel motivated and connected, which was exactly the atmosphere at Dutch Bros. It wasn’t just about serving drinks, it was about creating positive experiences for customers and your team members as well.
Even though I’m not there anymore, the skills and confidence I gained are something I’ll carry with me. Dutch Bros showed me how to balance speed with quality service and the importance of a positive work environment, lessons I know I’ll use in any job I have next.
References:
- Buckingham, M. & Coffman, C. (2016). First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently.