Leading the Starbucks Way: 5 Principles for Connecting with Your Customers, Your Products, and Your People

In this follow-up to The Starbucks Experience, organizational consultant Michelli returns to the ubiquitous chain for a side order of business lessons. First, he presents the key principles that allowed Starbucks to grow from a single coffee shop to a chain with more than 18,000 locations: “Savor and Elevate”; “Love to be Loved”; “Reach for Common Ground”; “Mobilize the Connection”; and “Cherish and Challenge Your Legacy.” Next, he explains how to apply those principles to any type of business, using a series of leading questions, as well as “Connecting Points,” which guide the reader to implement those principles in his or her own organization. Though Starbucks is widely seen as a corporate giant, the chain makes an effort to be a good neighbor in each community in which it operates, according to Michelli. In addition, the company adapts to global markets, resulting in specialty beverages such as Azuki Matcha Frappucino with matcha green tea and sweet red beans in Japan and Murg Tikka, a chicken dish sold at stores in India. An accessible and practical guide to corporate success. (Sept.)