SHIFT BREAK! The Danger of Fast-Track Training

The temptation for fast-track people during training is a very common one. I would go so far as to say that, half of the reason we see the inconsistencies and quality of product and service issues we do today, comes from pushing people through training and putting them on bar when they are not equipped to succeed.

Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the danger of "fast-track" training, some of the reasons I believe are behind this practice, and how we can guard against it so we are actually training people well and setting up them, and our guests for success.

Related episodes:

• SHIFT BREAK! The Urgent Need for Training in Today's Coffee Shop
• You Need to Prioritize In-House Training!
• 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS

APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!

For cafe owners, the way you and your coffee shop grow is determined by how you are supported and nourished by community.

The trouble is most owners are isolated, stressed, and are in desperate need of a type of community that is not just generally related to business but is made up entirely of other coffee shop owners who know exactly where you are coming from.

That is what Key Holder Coaching Groups are all about.

A small group of invested coffee shop owners who are dedicated to encouragement, accountability, insights, and helping each other grow.

Our groups are limited 6-7 experienced cafe owners and we meet 12 times over 6 months in our Zoom sessions where we focus on member led topics that are actually relevant to the real life of a cafe owner.

Each member received 2 hours of one-on-one coaching through this time and has access to our Circle community where they can keep the connection and conversation going between our calls.

I would love to talk with you about how this unique group can make a difference in your life.

Look below for a few testimonials of past members and click this link to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort!

APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!

Testimonials:

My name is Susanna Winters and I am the owner and co -founder of Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters. We're based out of Hilton Head, South Carolina. I've been part of Chris's key holder coaching group for I guess about five months now. And prior to that, I have participated in a few different business groups and business mentorship programs. And this coaching group has by far been the best and provided some of most value that we've received honestly in the two and a half years that we've been in business. And I think it's a combination of being paired with other business owners who are all at different places in their business. It really helps us take this big picture approach as well as get that really nitty gritty feedback, not only of what we need right now, but also what we might need a year from now.

And the group that I was part of, it was honestly just so much fun and so much fun getting to know this group. Everyone provided so much value and they were honest and they were vulnerable and they were so transparent with their businesses and everyone really took that extra step to support each other, which is one of the reasons why I'm signing up to do it for another six months. But I absolutely recommend this coaching group. I think it's one the best things out there for new coffee shops, old coffee shops, anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level.

-Susannah Winters/ Hilton Head Coffee Roasters

For us looking back, I think we were at a point of growth that we needed to take the steps to grow, but we were wearing ourselves out and burnout was starting to set it. I feel if we didn't reach out for help with Chris we would have greatly struggled. Both during the coaching and as a result of the coaching.

Working with KTTS consulting has been monumental for us as individuals and as a business. We were able to get insight and confidence in areas that we felt like we were really struggling in. We took huge steps with hiring a manager and equipping them to help lead. Chris' structure behind servant leadership really matched well with how we wanted to lead so it allowed a very cohesive development of our foundation for goals, foundations, requirements and leadership.

I would HIGHLY recommend KTTS to anyone regardless if you are struggling for feeling as though you are on top of the world with your business. I feel that no matter where you are in your journey, there's always room for growth. I even believe a few years down the road and we are continuing to grow that we would do it again and learn to continue to keep growing in a healthy was as a business and staying healthy as entrepreneurs

-Jessica Nguyễn Queen City and Co.

I made the decision to become a part of the Key Holder Coaching Group (KHCG) primarily to establish connections with other professionals who are actively engaged in the coffee business. I have found that through coaching I have been able to improve my productivity, streamlining my operations and have a healthier life/work balance.

The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the "Hot Seat" I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience.

As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success.

-Sunny Cover / Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company / The Peekskill Coffeehouse