“At Starbucks, the coffee has to be excellent, from the sourcing and growing to the roasting and brewing. The vision has to be inspiring and meaningful. Our finances have to be in order. But without people, we have nothing. With people, we have something even bigger than coffee.” Howard Behar, a senior executive at Starbucks, emphasizes the importance of people over profits in shaping the company’s culture. He coached leaders at all levels, helping Starbucks become a world-renowned brand. Behar reveals ten guiding principles of leadership, starting with the belief that viewing employees and customers as human beings fosters exceptional results. Treating staff as individuals rather than labor costs leads to greater achievements, while seeing customers as people to serve creates lasting connections. He shares pivotal moments in Starbucks’ history, highlighting the need to maintain this culture amid rapid growth. Key principles include: - Know Who You Are: Clarity in values and goals fuels passion. - Think Independently: Encourage independent thinking by breaking down unnecessary rules. - Be Accountable: Embrace transparency and responsibility. - Take Action: Balance passion, purpose, and persistence in decision-making. As work becomes less hierarchical and more relationship-focused, these principles of personal leadership are increasingly vital. This book provides a roadmap for effective leadership in today’s interconnected w
