Why I don’t work at Starbucks
I don’t work at Starbucks, and I never have. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right - green is my color, so it would just make sense! But there’s a very good reason I don’t work there, and it’s probably not what you think.
I was new to Chattanooga, and it wasn’t Christmas season yet, so I had to find a job. I applied to a number of places, including to be a receptionist, a forklift operator, a Starbucks barista, among other things.
The receptionist position never called me back, but I had a connection at the forklift place. I hadn’t heard back from them either, but I knew the pay was good there, so I was holding out hope it would work out.
Meanwhile, I heard back from Starbucks and got an interview! It was my first and only interview so far, so things were finally looking up.
Green is my color, so it would just make sense!
I went to the store and met both the store manager and regional manager for the interview. They were very kind and told me about opening up a new store in my area soon. Everything seemed to be working out better than I had expected!
I didn’t tell them I didn’t know the difference between a Cappuccino and an Americano. But hey, they didn’t ask!
The interview went well, and they offered me the job on the spot! When they asked me when I could start working, I was caught off guard a bit. I didn’t expect it to progress so quickly, so I told them what I was thinking…
“Wow, thank you! I’m not sure, to be honest. I have one more opportunity I’m looking at, but I should find out in the next couple days, so can I let you know Monday?”
As soon as I said this, they looked at me, then at each other and said, “Will you excuse us for a moment?” As they stepped away, I was thinking through my schedule for next week - when would be the best time for me to start?
[Pause]
Yep, that’s what I was thinking … When should I start? … I wonder what they’re talking about…. I can’t wait to call my mom to tell her I got a job!
I didn’t have that big aha moment, realizing I had just botched my first and only interview. I had completely blown it, and (I can’t say this strongly enough) I had no clue.
[Resume]
They came back to my table to inform me, “I’m sorry. We are going to withdraw our offer. We are looking for people who really want to be a part of this team.”
And that was that. Back to square one: No job. No interviews. No offers.
And it didn’t take me too long to figure out what I did wrong. But that wasn’t my real mistake. I have since realized my real mistake is bigger than saying what I said.
My biggest mistake was not being able to see from another’s perspective. I had a low “EQ.” Emotional Quotient, or Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EIQ). It never crossed my mind how the two managers might perceive my statement.
My biggest mistake was not being able to see from another’s perspective.
Understanding from another person’s perspective is critical for all of us. In business, with family, with our neighbors, as customers.
We may say what we mean, but how are people going to understand what we say? That’s EQ.
We might not see a mistake as a big deal, but how do others view it? EQ.
It makes sense to us that holidays with family will look different this year, but would it make the same sense to the rest of the family? All EQ.
Those Starbucks managers did the right thing. I learned my lesson the hard way. The world’s greatest cup of coffee will just have to wait.
What is one place or relationship in your life where you feel like your EQ could use a boost? Or do you have a tip for the rest of us on how to better practice seeing things from someone else’s perspective? I would love to hear from you! Share in the comments.
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