A very common derivative in the restaurant industry has always been the ability to socialize with one another. This may occur with clients or your co workers. Customer service cannot co exist properly without the ability to engage in a simple conversation with your customers. Now I am not stating that life stories need to be exchanged, but a courteous conversation certainly can make a guest feel welcome. Be friendly.(not overly) and be careful you don't appear artificial. Remain professional but not snooty and let your genuine personality speak for itself.
Now this brings us to a very important situation; how long does a server remain at the table before it is time to retreat. That depends on many factors. The customers themselves ( Do they just want to briefly say high). How busy is the restaurant and how many other clients need your attention? One rule of thumb that I still to this day stick by to is the KISS rule (I am not talking about my favorite rock band);I am talking about Keep it Simple Server. Generally couples like a little privacy. So unless they want to have a discussion with yourself, it is safe to say that they would like that privacy. Single diners may like more attention ( unless they are a restaurant critic) but some may just want to relax.
Large parties do require more attention due to the fact that numerous people are talking at once. If u feel that you are stuck at a table for a lengthy period of time and other guests need your attention, politely excuse yourself and request help from your co workers or even the manager. Never feel to proud to ask for help. Your guests will benefit from this.
On the other side of the coin is the ever increasing "water cooler" discussions amongst employees. What you may ask is a water cooler discussion? This is the gathering of individuals in the workplace that eat up the time card at different time intervals. In reality, they should be focusing on making sure their guests are being looked after. Time and time again I see employees chit chatting just for the sake of it. If u need to talk to someone talk to your guests and make sure they are happy.
As an employee I have encountered this dilema numerous times amongst my fellow coworkers; and have experienced this as a guest in other restaurants.
The other socializing problem in the workplace is the use of smartphones while on duty. In my opinion, cell phones should only be used if is absolutely necessary; and Im not talking about when you are expected to meet someone after work.. I actually caught my server texting while I was looking at a wine list. I guess I wasn't important enough to her. Well her gratuity went down almost to nothing,
So remember, as a server u are hired to sell food and beverage for that company , make them money and to treat those guests in a professional manner. In return you will mostlikely earn a respectful gratuity.
