What have we learned so far? – Episode 4.5

Slow nights are a blessing and a curse

Hey folks! I thought I’d try something new for this episode. I got some feedback and I decided to start doing shorter summery style episodes every few episodes. There is a ton of information in the interviews and it’s hard to remember everything, so I’ll lay out the key points in these recap episodes to make it easier to remember. We learn better through repetition anyway. So what have we learned so far?

Maybe I’ll turn all of this into a book or training seminar someday. We’ll see where it goes. You’re 86 is always evolving and the goal is to help our industry grow. Please leave comments below or email me with any suggestions. I welcome the feedback and want to know what you’re interested in.

So check out the much shorter Episode 4.5 in the player below, on this page, or wherever podcasts are found. Make sure to hit subscribe and share us with your friends and colleagues. Read on after the break for some quick tips about everything we’ve learned so far

Below, you’ll find some quick tips for dealing with the situations we’ve talked about so far. Think of it as a reference guide. You can even print it out if you want to.

Counterfeit Money

1. Get to know the security features of your currency.
2. Play it safe! Don’t put anyone at risk over $20 or $100.
3. Don’t draw extra attention to the situation. Don’t take the counterfeit bill if you don’t have to, but don’t do anything risky.
4. Don’t give counterfeit notes to anyone except law enforcement. You could be jailed or fined otherwise.
5. Keep counterfeit notes separate from other currency in an envelope or plastic bag. Initial and date the bill in the margin. Write down a good description of what happened and who was involved.

Management Challenges

1. Maintain awareness and stop problems before they happen.
2. Be ready to listen and have empathy when problems do arise. See bad situations as opportunities for growth.
3. Don’t fill your staff with only industry veterans. Balance your team out with people with a variety of talents and passions.
4. Don’t manage from the top down. Listen to your staff and let your bar or restaurant grow and change with them.
5. Maintain a good work/life balance. Nurture relationships outside of the industry.

Bar Injuries

1. For cuts: Rinse the area around the cut with soap and water, apply pressure with clean gauze until the bleeding stops, cover the wound. If you are impaled by an object, don’t pull it out. Stabilize the object and go to the hospital.
2. For burns: Gently rinse the burn under cool flowing water for several minutes, cover if necessary. Go to the hospital if you have significant skin damage.
3. Some chemical burns react badly to water. Read the labels on your cleaning products and chemicals.
4. If you sustain a head injury, get checked out by a doctor. If you have a headache and it gets worse, go to a hospital immediately.
5. If you suspect you have a sprain or broken bone, stabilize the affected area and go to the hospital. Don’t finish your shift out.
6. Wear supportive shoes, drink lots of water and get good sleep.

Date Rape and Violence

1. Maintain awareness and do your best to create a safe environment for your staff and guests.
2. If someone seems to be drugged, separate them, seek medical attention and don’t let them leave with anyone that is not a trusted friend or colleague. Set their drink aside to be tested.
3. Have a plan for violent or dangerous situations. Talk with your staff and be prepared
4. If your bar experiences traumatic events, support each other, seek help or keep talking about it together.

Cutting People Off

1. Know the signs of intoxication: Lack of coordination, slurred speech, memory loss, etc.
2. Be sober yourself, you can’t accurately judge another’s sobriety if you are drunk.
3. Always get a second opinion from a coworker and inform your entire staff if someone is cut off.
4. Have a plan, be clear and show your guests that you are looking out for their safety. Cutting people off is just another opportunity for good hospitality.
5. Have good alternatives to offer.

Again, I’ll do one of these recaps every few episodes. I hope this summery was helpful. It’s a great way to catch up on anything you’ve missed or to help remember this information better. Thanks for tuning in!

Cheers!