Two Gold Coins to Recognize Your Taproom Staff
When I arrived to help host the Virginia Brewers Conference, the Event Manager handed me two gold coins." I want you to give both to the front of house team member that goes above and beyond. That person will then award one of the coins to the back of house team member they believe also performed exceptionally at our event together."
As someone who regularly reads and writes about motivation, I loved this.
(Shout out to Tyro for being the recipient of the gold coins, then passing one to Devon in the back of house, who also did an amazing job.)
Are you giving your guests the opportunity to recognize your staff for doing a great job? You can easily replicate the two gold coins approach with those hosting events in your taproom, but what if you took it one step further?
Imagine you see a guest having a wonderful time. At a natural moment, like when they close out or are heading for the door, have a manager approach them and invite them to give a token to the team member who showed them the highest level of hospitality. If your front of house and back of house staff regularly interact, that employee can then recognize one of their teammates.
The token itself is recognition for going above and beyond. Whether any additional reward comes with it is up to you as the owner or manager.
Letting guests recognize your team does several things:
It empowers the guest to highlight someone who made their experience better.
It rewards the team member for going above and beyond and makes them feel seen.
It builds a culture where even the smallest actions get celebrated.
Don't let the recognition stop with the coin. Shout out recipients after an event or shift, in your staff group chat, during a pre or post shift meeting, or on a board in the employee break room.
Working at a taproom should be fun. That's no reason to skip the extra effort of showing your team a job well done. Pick up a few coins this week and try it at your next private event of taproom shift.
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