Restaurant shadow shift checklist

Structure the live training shift so the trainer coaches and the new hire practices — not the other way around.

• Pre-shift trainer prep — Trainer reviews the skills the new hire has already been signed off on and identifies 2–3 areas to focus on during this shift. Station is set and the trainee knows what's expected before the shift starts.
• Opening check-in with trainee — Trainer asks the new hire what they remember from their skills sessions, sets the tone for the shift (ask before guessing, it's okay not to know), and explains how coaching will work.
• Guided practice — core skills — Trainee practices their primary role tasks alongside the trainer. Trainer coaches in real time but lets the trainee lead. Correct technique errors calmly and specifically, not in front of customers.
• Independent task practice — Trainer steps back and observes the trainee completing tasks without active coaching. Intervene only for safety, quality issues, or a guest-facing problem.
• Live verbal knowledge check — During a natural lull in service, trainer asks 3–5 verbal questions to surface what the trainee has retained. Not a test — a diagnostic. Results noted for the debrief.

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