Common Mistakes and Bad Habits to Avoid in The Restaurant.

Summary

This training video highlights common body language mistakes and unprofessional habits that service staff must avoid when interacting with guests. Through a demonstrative clip, viewers are challenged to identify eight key errors made by a waiter, including using a cellphone in front of guests, biting nails, touching face and hair, chewing on a pen, checking the time, blowing one’s nose, coughing toward guests, adjusting underwear, and picking one’s nose. Each mistake is explained in detail, emphasizing hygiene, professionalism, and guest comfort. The video reinforces the importance of self-awareness, proper posture, and respectful behavior to create a positive and professional guest experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid using your phone in front of guests. Keep it out of sight in your locker.
• 😀 Nail biting is unprofessional, unhygienic, and can make you appear uncomfortable.
• 😀 Constantly touching your face and hair can make you seem unconfident and fidgety.
• 😀 Chewing on a pen while taking orders is off-putting and unappetizing for guests.
• 😀 Checking your watch in front of guests can make them feel unimportant, as if you have somewhere better to be.
• 😀 Loudly blowing your nose in front of guests is unpleasant and should be avoided.
• 😀 Sneezing or coughing in front of guests should be done with proper etiquette: step away and cover your mouth.
• 😀 Never pick at your underwear in public or in front of guests; make sure it fits comfortably.
• 😀 Picking your nose is highly inappropriate and off-putting to guests.
• 😀 In the service industry, maintaining good hygiene and professional body language is key to guest satisfaction.

Q & A

Why is it unacceptable for the waiter to text in front of guests?

Texting in front of guests is unprofessional and shows a lack of attention to the guests' needs. It's important to keep your cell phone out of sight, preferably in a locker or back of house, to avoid distracting yourself from your duties.

What are the potential issues with a waiter biting their nails?

Biting nails is not only unhygienic, but it also looks unprofessional. Since waiters handle guests' plates, glasses, and cutlery, it's crucial to maintain clean hands free from germs and dirt.

Why is touching the face and hair in front of guests considered bad body language?

Constantly touching your face or hair can make you appear uncomfortable and unconfident. It’s also seen as unprofessional, and it distracts from maintaining proper focus on your duties.

What is the problem with chewing on a pen while taking orders?

Chewing on a pen is highly unappetizing for guests. It can give the impression that you’re distracted, unprofessional, or even unclean, which diminishes your credibility and the guests' dining experience.

How does checking your watch affect the guest's perception of you?

Looking at your watch while serving guests can make them feel as though you're not fully engaged and that you may have somewhere more important to be. This behavior is seen as rude and disrespectful.

Why should a waiter avoid blowing their nose in front of guests?

Blowing your nose in front of guests is unpleasant for them due to both the sight and sound of it. It's best to step away and handle this hygienic matter away from the guests' view.

What is the proper way to sneeze or cough in front of guests?

If you must sneeze or cough, it's essential to cover your mouth with your upper arm or step away from the guest to prevent them from experiencing these unsanitary actions. It’s important to maintain hygiene and avoid disrupting the guest experience.

Why should waiters avoid picking at their underwear while serving guests?

This behavior is unprofessional and distracting. It might also indicate discomfort, and guests may notice it, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere. Ensure that your underwear fits well to prevent the need for such adjustments.

What makes picking your nose in front of guests particularly inappropriate?

Picking your nose is considered bad manners and highly unappetizing for the guests. It’s a behavior that should be avoided at all costs to maintain a respectful and professional appearance.

How can bad body language affect the guest experience?

Bad body language can negatively impact the guest experience by making them feel uncomfortable or disrespected. Behaviors like texting, fidgeting, or showing signs of unprofessionalism can reduce their confidence in the service and diminish the overall atmosphere of the dining experience.