Ana's guide to being a (decent) barista:

About a month ago I started working as a barista (coffee maker, to anyone who doesn't know), I'm not the biggest fan of the job, but it pays for the rent (as well as fabric and yarn). A lot of other baristas have made blogs for ranting and advice (which you may see more of), so I thought I'd share this short list of things I thought of at work. The approach I take to this job is only my way, everyone has their own style of dealing with things. (Personally, I like being polite, but I won't take any shit from anyone either)

1. Say hi to everyone; ask them how their day is. I mean everyone: customers, other baristas, dishwashers, bakers... People like it when you show interest in them and their lives.
2. Be as polite as possible, even if the other person is being rude to you. However, if someone is being needlessly cruel to you, or acting inpatient at the fact that you hadn't finished their extremely complicated order in 3 seconds, just ignore them, it's just coffee and they need to calm the fuck down. Be polite, but NOT submissive. (but also, if someone is actually giving you shit or yelling at you, it's your right to defend yourself, they don't own you and have no right to yell.)
3. If anyone looks like they're struggling, ask if you can help. Same goes for if you have a free moment and don't need a break, ask what you can do to help. Just like asking how people are, it shows that you are on top of things.
4. Make sure everything is well stocked. Seriously, this seems like it should be a simple thing, but apparently some people don't get it.
5. Be generous, but don't be self sacrificing.
6. If you make a mistake in an order, don't beat yourself up about it, it's just coffee and usually people will understand. If they don't, it's their mental issue and they need to (as stated above) calm the fuck down. If you make a mistake involving money (which I have), deal with it, apologize, offer solutions, be polite. Dealing with your boss in regards to money is pretty terrifying, but if you remain honest and level headed, they'll see that you're not stealing from them or what have you.
7. If you're unsure about something - ask questions! It's better to make absolutely sure about something and risk being thought of as forgetful, than possibly messing something up. This especially goes for complicated drink orders. Even if the person gets annoyed, it's better that they have the right drink, rather than you having to make it again.
8. If someone "higher on the foodchain" makes a mistake, but expects you to apologize for it, (seriously, this happened to me today) Don't. It's their mistake, you have no reason to say sorry.
9. If someone does something for you, thank them. If someone gives you a tip, thank them. Again, being polite is paramount.
10. (And I hate it when people tell me to do this, but it's necessary) Smile! A lot. At everyone. Interact with the customers, laugh at their jokes. Most of all, don't take things too seriously, it's only a job.

So there... I guess it's not that short. And I repeat stuff a lot...but whatever. If you find it helpful, yay! If you don't, well, try someone else's blog, or write your own.