The importance of servant leadership with Howard Behar, former CEO of Starbucks

What’s the most important ingredient when creating a successful coffee empire? Author and former Starbucks CEO Howard Behar says that it’s not, in fact, making a great cup of coffee. First comes people. Then performance. Then the coffee. Putting people first and defining the purpose of the organization are the keys to his highly successful leadership style.
Howard came upon the term “servant leadership” nearly 50 years ago while reading the work of Robert Greenleaf, originator of the term. He shares with Skip why Greenleaf’s work spoke to him, and how it informed his role at Starbucks. Howard is adamant, though, that in order for servant leadership to work, it can’t be a “program of the day.” It has to be, as he says, “consistent and ongoing. You have to talk about it and put it to work.”
He also tells Skip that servant leadership doesn’t mean being friendly all the time. “It’s about accountability and performance,” he says. “Not being nice.”
Skip and Howard finish up with a remarkable story about how one local Starbucks manager brought in a new beverage idea that literally changed the industry. It puts into perspective Howard’s philosophy that “the people who sweep the floors should choose the broom.”
Learn more about Howard Behar: www.howardbehar.com/
Buy “The Magic Cup: A Business Parable About a Leader, a Team, and the Power of Putting People and Values First.”
www.amazon.com/gp/product/145...
Buy “It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks.”
www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-...
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Sending you the deepest appreciation for watching, learning, and connecting.
Wishing you a life full of meaning, happiness, and success!
Skip

[@ScottBrownPhD]

Working for a company that has solid values makes or breaks MBA careers. Howard is right!

[@skipprichard1547]

Yes indeed! It makes all the difference.

[@usm34me]

Skip, stop talking so we can hear from your guest. Sheeesh

[@skipprichard1547]

I've definitely been guilty of that at times, but I don't see it that way here which shows you the different opinions we all have. I invite people to have a conversation with me, and we did have a great one.

[@MarianneWilliamson2024Prez]

@@skipprichard1547 There seems to be a form of ambiguity behind servant leadership and actually getting things accomplished in an efficient manner.