Skill Focus: Don’t Be “The Server”

by | Aug 28, 2011 | Skills, Skills Focus | 771 comments

server

Several years ago, when I was starting my previous serving job, I had a moment of server panic.  My new restaurant had just been voted the best restaurant in town.  It was busy most every night.  My sales were significantly higher than at my previous job.  The problem was that my tips were virtually the same.  I was hitting all of my service marks and still making just average tips.  I was frustrated and questioning whether or not I had made the right decision in changing restaurants.  One night, I decided to relax and treat my tables the way I had at my previous job.  My tips were much better.  During the drive home I reached an important conclusion.  I had been acting like I perceived a server at this restaurant would behave rather than acting naturally.

The fundamental mistake that too many servers make is trying to hide their personality.  This is not to say that you need to be in your guests’ faces with it, but you do need to let a little bit of you shine through.  Guests can smell a phony a mile away.  They can tell when you are being robotic or overly chipper.  You must be yourself, but you should also put forth the best version of yourself you can.

This week’s skill focus is taken from Chapter 14 of my book Tips2: Tips For Improving Your Tips:

Chapter 14: Don’t Be “The Server”

A few additional thoughts on this topic:

Be A Professional With Personality:  When I say to be yourself, this does not mean that anything goes.  The guest came in for a great service experience.  If you wish to make a tip, you must deliver that.  It is still a professional transaction.  If you want to make more than an average tip, you must deliver more than the generic interaction.  Being professional while adding a bit of your personality will earn you the results you want.

You Must Be Consistent:   One of the most common mistakes I see with servers is that their attitude will change during the course of the meal.  If you go from chipper to melancholy during the course of the meal, the guest will often wonder what happened.  This creates an awkward feeling that detracts from their experience.  Being yourself will help prevent this change because you are not trying to play a role and “breaking character.”

Be Your “First Date” Self:  I dedicate another chapter in the book to this concept.  You don’t have to be completely honest with your tables about everything.  When you are on a first date with someone you want to impress, you will often phrase things differently than you normally would.  You should want to impress your guests in the same way.  Use an optimistic spin when answering their questions about you and they will reward you with a nice “Goodnight tip” at the end of the meal.

My third rule of serving is dedicated to this very concept.  Generic servers receive generic tips.  If you want to earn more than the tip your guests generally leave for adequate service, you must bring a little bit of your personality to their dining experience.  Learning how to do this well is a key to dramatically improving your income.  If you want to be an exceptional server, the first step is being more than the generic server.

Tips2: Tips For Improving Your Tips is the new book from the author of The Hospitality Formula Network. It contains the 52 essential skills of the exceptional server. This book teaches the philosophy to turn average service into an exceptional guest experience that will rapidly increase your tips. This book shows how you can provide better customer service and dramatically improve your tips. Enter the coupon code “squared” to receive 20% off your copy today.

771 Comments

  3. Ralphhierb
    Ralphhierb on June 6, 2022 at 1:48 am

    cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz hvtsgeahdwareeBtjneottj cialis pills

    Reply
  92. Diodslfl
    Diodslfl on June 28, 2022 at 9:35 pm

    diflucan tablets price diflucan otc can you buy diflucan over the counter
    how to buy diflucan online

    Reply
  105. Jefferyamest
    Jefferyamest on July 2, 2022 at 10:06 pm

    can you buy diflucan without a prescription diflucan tabs

    Reply
  117. Darrellnes
    Darrellnes on July 7, 2022 at 3:17 am

    clomid 100mg for sale buy clomid

    Reply
  129. Michaelnag
    Michaelnag on July 10, 2022 at 11:57 pm

    erectile dysfunction medicines cure ed

    Reply
  143. Williamnax
    Williamnax on July 14, 2022 at 7:11 pm

    stromectol 12 mg tablets stromectol

    Reply
  213. CareyeRaps
    CareyeRaps on July 31, 2022 at 3:20 am

    ivermectin 2 is ivermectin for animals the same as for humans

    Reply
  306. HenryTen
    HenryTen on August 28, 2022 at 6:38 am

    doxy 200 amoxicillin 500mg over the counter

    Reply
  330. Brandenquode
    Brandenquode on September 3, 2022 at 11:46 am

    ivermectin 5 ivermectin for people

    Reply
  343. Josephorded
    Josephorded on September 7, 2022 at 7:34 am

    molnupiravir price in usa molupiravir

    Reply
  410. LeilaheiSl
    LeilaheiSl on October 3, 2022 at 4:09 am

    write my essay affordable
    KeyWord
    essay writing services reviews

    Reply
  454. EChubyujo
    EChubyujo on October 18, 2022 at 11:05 pm

    Jovencita se masturba con una botella https://wankmovie.com/ Hot Tiktok guys Exposed / huge Cock / cute Boy / hung Tiktok Guys / BoiBlue11xx / Tiktok boys Leaks

    Reply
  517. Terryblarf
    Terryblarf on November 23, 2022 at 11:41 am

    ed pills otc edpillsfast.com
    ed drugs list discount ed drugs

    Reply
  521. Alvarotex
    Alvarotex on November 25, 2022 at 11:41 am

    compare prescription prices naijamoviez.com
    ed pills canadian prescription

    Reply
  523. DennisGag
    DennisGag on November 26, 2022 at 2:17 am

    medications with no prescription naijamoviez.com
    no 1 canadian pharmacy discount ed drugs

    Reply
  524. Alvarotex
    Alvarotex on November 27, 2022 at 5:17 am

    canada online pharmacy naijamoviez.com
    top erectile dysfunction pills order prescription medicine online without prescription

    Reply
  624. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 2, 2023 at 9:29 pm

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. All trends of medicament.
    ivermectin ebay
    Best and news about drug. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  625. Jamesseiny
    Jamesseiny on February 2, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. safe and effective drugs are available.
    https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin cream
    safe and effective drugs are available. Generic Name.

    Reply
  626. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 2, 2023 at 10:12 pm

    Generic Name. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
    https://stromectolst.com/# buy ivermectin canada
    Read now. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.

    Reply
  627. JesseSor
    JesseSor on February 3, 2023 at 1:01 am

    п»їMedicament prescribing information. What side effects can this medication cause?
    ivermectin gel
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply
  628. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 3, 2023 at 11:55 pm

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Read information now.
    ivermectin australia
    Cautions. Top 100 Searched Drugs.

    Reply
  629. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 4, 2023 at 3:52 am

    earch our drug database. Drug information.
    stromectol nz
    Some trends of drugs. Some trends of drugs.

    Reply
  630. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 4, 2023 at 10:12 pm

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
    buy stromectol pills
    Generic Name. Everything about medicine.

    Reply
  631. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 6, 2023 at 12:05 am

    Get warning information here. Some trends of drugs.
    stromectol for humans
    earch our drug database. Top 100 Searched Drugs.

    Reply
  632. JesseSor
    JesseSor on February 6, 2023 at 12:18 am

    Everything information about medication. What side effects can this medication cause?
    ivermectin cream uk
    Drug information. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  633. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 7, 2023 at 12:27 am

    Read now. What side effects can this medication cause?
    stromectol 3 mg
    earch our drug database. Get warning information here.

    Reply
  634. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 7, 2023 at 9:43 pm

    п»їMedicament prescribing information. safe and effective drugs are available.
    generic for prinivil
    Drug information. All trends of medicament.

    Reply
  635. JamesCuh
    JamesCuh on February 7, 2023 at 10:18 pm

    Read now. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    levaquin no prescription
    Read now. Get information now.

    Reply
  637. Jamesdup
    Jamesdup on February 8, 2023 at 2:02 am

    п»їMedicament prescribing information. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
    https://levaquin.science/# cost of generic levaquin without rx
    Best and news about drug. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  639. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 9, 2023 at 8:27 am

    Drug information. Some trends of drugs.
    https://levaquin.science/# can i buy cheap levaquin pill
    Get warning information here. Everything information about medication.

    Reply
  640. Davidhon
    Davidhon on February 9, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    Read here. safe and effective drugs are available. how to buy avodart
    Everything about medicine. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply
  641. JamesCuh
    JamesCuh on February 10, 2023 at 2:05 pm

    Everything information about medication. Get here.
    https://lisinopril.science/# where to buy lisinopril
    Long-Term Effects. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply
  643. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 10, 2023 at 9:24 pm

    Drug information. safe and effective drugs are available.
    can you get generic nexium prices
    Everything about medicine. Everything what you want to know about pills.

    Reply
  645. Aaronlip
    Aaronlip on February 11, 2023 at 10:09 pm

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Read information now.
    https://finasteridest.online where to get cheap propecia no prescription
    Some trends of drugs. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.

    Reply
  647. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 12, 2023 at 7:31 pm

    Read now. Read information now.
    https://azithromycins.online/ zithromax 500
    Everything information about medication. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply
  648. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 13, 2023 at 8:07 am

    What side effects can this medication cause? safe and effective drugs are available.
    zithromax 250mg
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.

    Reply
  649. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 13, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    Long-Term Effects. Read here.
    can i order clomid
    earch our drug database. Read information now.

    Reply
  650. Aaronlip
    Aaronlip on February 13, 2023 at 8:26 pm

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Everything information about medication.
    where can i get zithromax
    Best and news about drug. Get warning information here.

    Reply
  651. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 14, 2023 at 1:13 am

    Long-Term Effects. Drug information.
    can i get generic propecia online
    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Long-Term Effects.

    Reply
  652. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 14, 2023 at 5:54 pm

    п»їMedicament prescribing information. earch our drug database.
    https://azithromycins.online/ zithromax online usa no prescription
    Drug information. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.

    Reply
  653. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 14, 2023 at 9:43 pm

    earch our drug database. All trends of medicament.
    zithromax generic cost
    Generic Name. Drug information.

    Reply
  654. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 14, 2023 at 11:06 pm

    Drug information. Get warning information here.
    order propecia pills
    Everything about medicine. Everything about medicine.

    Reply
  655. Aaronlip
    Aaronlip on February 15, 2023 at 9:27 am

    Get here. Actual trends of drug.
    https://azithromycins.com/ zithromax pill
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Read now.

    Reply
  657. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 15, 2023 at 9:51 pm

    Drug information. Read now.
    zithromax 250mg
    Actual trends of drug. All trends of medicament.

    Reply
  658. Mortonrix
    Mortonrix on February 16, 2023 at 5:12 pm

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Read information now.
    natural ed medications
    What side effects can this medication cause? Read information now.

    Reply
  659. Efrenpisof
    Efrenpisof on February 16, 2023 at 5:49 pm

    Get warning information here. Some trends of drugs.
    cheap erectile dysfunction pills
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply
  660. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 16, 2023 at 7:01 pm

    Get here. Get warning information here.
    drugs for ed
    п»їMedicament prescribing information. What side effects can this medication cause?

    Reply
  661. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 16, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    earch our drug database. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    buy propecia no prescription
    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Cautions.

    Reply
  662. Mortonrix
    Mortonrix on February 17, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Get here.
    https://edonlinefast.com best treatment for ed
    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Actual trends of drug.

    Reply
  663. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 17, 2023 at 7:31 pm

    Long-Term Effects. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    mens erection pills
    Read information now. Everything about medicine.

    Reply
  664. VictorAWaib
    VictorAWaib on February 19, 2023 at 1:06 am

    What side effects can this medication cause? drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
    cvs prescription prices without insurance
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.

    Reply
  665. MichaelPoolf
    MichaelPoolf on February 19, 2023 at 5:17 am

    Drugs information sheet. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    reliable canadian pharmacy
    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Drug information.

    Reply
  666. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 19, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
    https://canadianfast.com/# how can i order prescription drugs without a doctor
    Read now. Get here.

    Reply
  668. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 20, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    Some trends of drugs. Long-Term Effects.
    https://canadianfast.online/# prescription drugs
    What side effects can this medication cause? Cautions.

    Reply
  669. VictorAWaib
    VictorAWaib on February 20, 2023 at 6:09 pm

    Read now. Actual trends of drug.
    online canadian pharmacy
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply
  670. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 21, 2023 at 3:03 am

    What side effects can this medication cause? All trends of medicament.
    comfortis without vet prescription
    What side effects can this medication cause? Generic Name.

    Reply
  671. MichaelPoolf
    MichaelPoolf on February 21, 2023 at 7:24 am

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
    https://canadianfast.online/# best ed pills non prescription
    Some trends of drugs. Read information now.

    Reply
  672. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 21, 2023 at 10:55 am

    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    https://canadianfast.com/# comfortis for dogs without vet prescription
    Everything about medicine. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  674. VictorAWaib
    VictorAWaib on February 22, 2023 at 6:09 am

    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Cautions.
    https://canadianfast.com/# amoxicillin without a doctor’s prescription
    Generic Name. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  675. 강남풀싸롱
    강남풀싸롱 on February 25, 2023 at 9:32 am

    Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I
    get in fact loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to“강남풀싸롱”your feeds or even I achievement you get entry to constantly rapidly.

    Reply
  676. Bradleyseess
    Bradleyseess on February 26, 2023 at 10:22 pm

    Some trends of drugs. Actual trends of drug.
    buy viagra with prescription
    п»їMedicament prescribing information. Generic Name.

    Reply
  677. Sammyfag
    Sammyfag on February 27, 2023 at 10:37 am

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Best and news about drug.
    sildenafil daily use
    safe and effective drugs are available. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply
  678. BillyExorp
    BillyExorp on February 27, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
    https://viagrapillsild.online/# buy viagra that takes paypal
    Read information now. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply
  679. Bradleyseess
    Bradleyseess on February 27, 2023 at 7:12 pm

    Long-Term Effects. safe and effective drugs are available.
    https://viagrapillsild.online/# viagra and cialis
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. What side effects can this medication cause?

    Reply
  680. Albertenfof
    Albertenfof on February 28, 2023 at 5:05 pm

    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    tadalafil canada
    Some trends of drugs. Cautions.

    Reply
  681. WillisBaido
    WillisBaido on February 28, 2023 at 10:18 pm

    Some trends of drugs. Read information now.
    buy cialis fast shipping
    Read information now. Everything information about medication.

    Reply