Before the meteoric rise of Starbucks there was a fairly sizable portion of the population that had never enjoyed the “Starbucks Experience.” It was fairly common for someone to walk into the store and say, “I’ve never been here before, how does this work?” As Starbucks grew in popularity, this group became smaller and smaller. As the number of people without any experience in Starbucks culture dwindled, so did the regular need to provide detailed “customer orientation” with every transaction. I wasn’t always a coffee drinker and thus, I was in the “never have I ever” group a bit longer than most. One day, after seeing my 38th siren emblazoned white cup in the office, I decided that maybe it was time to give this place a shot. (no pun intended – but since its here.) 

I walked into the store and started pursuing the menu. I had no idea what most of the words meant and since I didn’t have much money at the time, I was aiming for something low cost. As I was reading the menu, an employee said something to me that I couldn’t decipher.* I nervously responded, “no thank you,” and continued to read. Finally, I decided I would order an iced americano. That seemed right. I made my way to the counter and placed my order. The wait was quick and I was presented with a 16oz cup of what looked to be dark brown water. I took my first sip and immediately regretted about the last 8 decisions I had made. It was not good. And that’s where my Starbucks journey ended. For a while. 

Eventually I would return to Starbucks with a friend who knew how the game worked. They knew how to translate this language in a way that made it accessible to me. They helped me find the flavors I was looking for and helped me communicate it to the people who could bring those flavors to life. This was a game changer. Suddenly, my relationship with Starbucks changed drastically. I began to love the stores, the coffee, and the people within and that love continues today. 

Thankfully, there was someone in my life that remembered what it was like to be new to the experience. They remembered being talked through this new language. They remembered being guided to make the best decision for themselves. They remembered what it was like to be confused and somewhat lost and they stepped in to help me navigate those same feelings.

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“Do you remember being an outsider
just hoping someone would invite you in?”

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Do you remember what it was like to be the new kid? Whether it is new to a school, to a job, a team, a club, or even your faith? Do you remember having way more questions than answers and feeling lost? Do you remember being afraid to asks questions for fear of being judged or called stupid? Do you remember being an outsider just hoping someone would invite you in? I want to challenge you to remember. Think of somewhere that you have grown extremely comfortable. Is there someone in that space that you can guide forward? Is there someone on the outside that you can bring in? Is there someone with questions that you can answer? 

It’s easy to forget what it’s like to be new. Ironically, I get frustrated with people who don’t know how to order at coffee shops on a regular basis. Instead of letting frustration take hold, think back to what it was like to be in that same place. Then step forward and offer a hand. 

Let’s talk in the comments about the places where we have the opportunity to lead someone forward. 

*Long story short, he was asking if he could get a drink started for me, but he used words that, to this day, I still don’t know what they were.