Starbucks and Leadership Traits

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One statement made by Starbucks on the structure of leadership is "through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup” (Starbucks, 2013).). Starbucks has been a leader in the beverage industry since the 1980’s; yes Starbucks opened before that but did not start to control the industry until the 80’s. Leadership has always been a point of emphasis within the company not only with its internal family but with the community as well. Many leadership traits can be attributed to Starbucks success but as one analyst points out Servant leadership really stands out. From general managers all the way down to its baristas Starbucks takes pride in not only making sure the cup of coffee consumers will be drinking surpasses expectations but in welcoming all into the Starbucks family.
One example of this servant leadership is when former Starbucks President Howard Behar and Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz came to the aide of families of employees who had been shot and killed in Washington D.C. After receiving a call in the middle of the night at his home in Seattle Behar immediately called his CEO and told him of the tragic happenings and what happened next astounded most. Howard Schultz went to Washington D.C to be with the families of his three employees who had been murdered. . Behar having left previous company for tending to show his emotions on his sleeve admired Schultz for his courageous and compassionate heart. This was a leader he wanted to work for.
Value is created by servant leaders by giving back to their communities, by encouraging followers and volunteering. Starbucks was scheduled to host a leadership confere...

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...ed from http://www.businessweek.com.
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