During busy shifts, what mental preparation should servers practice?

Planning for high traffic times is essential for servers during busy shifts because it allows them to anticipate the flow of customers and manage their time more efficiently. By preparing for periods of increased traffic, servers can streamline their service, prioritize tasks, and allocate their attention effectively to customers. This strategic mindset enables them to enhance the overall dining experience by being proactive rather than reactive.

When a server is mentally prepared for busy times, they can better manage their responsibilities, such as taking orders promptly, ensuring timely delivery of food and beverages, and attending to customers’ needs without feeling overwhelmed. This preparation helps in maintaining composure and delivering high-quality service, even under pressure, which is crucial in a fast-paced environment like Yard House.

Other options suggest less productive approaches, such as thinking about cutting corners or expecting issues, which can lead to decreased service quality and a negative dining experience. Visualizing a decrease in customers does not align with the reality of managing busy shifts, similarly providing an unrealistic focus that does not help with effective service delivery.