Why You Should Work Like a Bartender, Not a Robot

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Now, lets jump into Fridays newsletter issue.

Picture this: It's Friday night, the bar is packed, and your bartender is simultaneously mixing three cocktails, taking two orders, and somehow remembering that the person in the corner booth prefers their Old Fashioned with a twist. They're not stressed—they're in the zone. Meanwhile, most of us approach our workday like malfunctioning robots, grinding through tasks without rhythm or awareness.

What bartenders do differently:

• Master the prep-execute cycle - Everything is set up before the rush begins

• Read the room constantly - They adjust their energy and approach based on the crowd

• Handle interruptions gracefully - New orders don't derail their current tasks

• Build rapport while working - Relationships happen naturally during task completion

• Stay calm under pressure - Rush periods are expected, not emergencies

Robots multitask by rapidly switching between isolated tasks. Bartenders multitask by creating interconnected workflows where one action naturally leads to the next. They're shaking a martini while their eyes scan for empty glasses and their ears tune into the conversation happening three stools down.

Corporate applications:

• Batch similar activities - Like making all your drinks before serving them

• Use transition time productively - Check emails while walking to meetings

• Maintain situational awareness - Notice team dynamics while focused on your project • Create natural conversation moments - Build relationships during collaborative work

• Develop muscle memory for routine tasks - Free up mental energy for complex decisions

The best bartenders understand that efficiency without personality is just automation. They remember your usual drink, ask about your weekend, and somehow make a crowded bar feel intimate. In our rush to optimize everything, we've forgotten that work is fundamentally about humans serving humans.

Key takeaways for your workweek:

• Prioritize presence over productivity - Being fully engaged beats being constantly busy

• Develop your professional "mise en place" - Organize your workspace like a professional kitchen

• Practice graceful pivoting - Learn to switch gears without losing momentum

• Invest in small-interactions - Small moments of connection compound over time

• Embrace the performance aspect - Your energy affects everyone around you

As always have a great day and see you all on Monday!

The Casual Workweek