Season 8 Episode 22: Lessons from Starbucks: chat with Howard Behar

Season 8 Episode 22: Lessons from Starbucks: Chat with Howard Behar from The Thermostat with Jason V Barger

In the latest episode of The Thermostat with Jason V Barger, we are treated to an insightful conversation with Howard Behar, the former president of Starbucks, who shares his wisdom on leadership, culture, and the importance of truly caring for people in business. As someone who helped Starbucks grow from 15 stores to over 15,000 worldwide, Behar’s insights are invaluable for anyone interested in corporate leadership and creating a positive business culture.

Key Themes and Lessons from Howard Behar

1. People Over Profits

A central theme in this episode is the importance of prioritizing people over profits. Behar emphasizes that Starbucks was always in the people business serving coffee, not the coffee business serving people. This mindset is crucial for creating a positive work environment and fostering genuine connections within the company.

“We’re in the people business serving coffee, not the coffee business serving people.”

2. Servant Leadership

Behar’s approach to leadership is rooted in the principles of servant leadership, where the leader’s role is to serve and support their team. This involves active listening, empathy, and empowering employees to take ownership of their work.

“The person who sweeps the floor should choose the broom.”

This quote highlights the importance of giving employees the autonomy to make decisions about how they perform their tasks, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

3. The Power of Empathy

Empathy is a recurring theme in Behar’s leadership philosophy. He believes that leaders must listen and understand their employees’ perspectives and needs to create a supportive and effective work environment.

“Right now, we’ve got to turn off our mouths and turn on our ears.”

In a world that often feels divisive, Behar stresses the importance of empathetic communication and understanding, both in business and personal interactions.

Notable Stories and Takeaways

The Story of Jim

One of the most impactful stories shared by Behar is about Jim, a Starbucks store manager who revealed he was dying of AIDS. Howard Schultz and Behar’s response to this situation exemplified their commitment to their employees.

“We’ll keep you employed as long as you’re alive, and we’ll cover your healthcare.”

This story underscores the importance of caring for employees beyond their professional roles and illustrates the profound impact of compassionate leadership.

Frappuccino Creation

The creation of the Frappuccino is another notable example of empowering employees. Deanna Campion, a Starbucks employee, recognized a market need and pushed for the development of what became a billion-dollar product.

“We listened to Deanna when she said she wanted to do something different.”

This story highlights how listening to employees and valuing their ideas can lead to significant innovations and success.

Top Tips for Leaders

Based on the themes and lessons discussed, here are actionable tips for leaders looking to enhance their corporate culture and effectiveness:

1. Prioritize People: Always remember that the heart of your business is people. Focus on their needs and well-being, and success will follow.
2. Embrace Servant Leadership: Lead by serving. Support your team, listen to their ideas, and empower them to take ownership of their roles.
3. Cultivate Empathy: Make an effort to understand and empathize with your employees. This will foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
4. Encourage Innovation: Give your employees the freedom to innovate and try new things. Their insights can lead to significant advancements and improvements.
5. Lead with Compassion: Show genuine care and concern for your team members. This builds trust and loyalty, which are crucial for a thriving corporate culture.

Conclusion

Howard Behar’s conversation with Jason V Barger on The Thermostat podcast is a masterclass in compassionate and effective leadership. By prioritizing people, embracing servant leadership, and cultivating empathy, leaders can create a positive and productive business environment. These lessons from Starbucks not only highlight the importance of caring for employees but also demonstrate how such an approach can lead to remarkable business success.

For more insights and leadership tips, be sure to listen to the full episode of The Thermostat with Jason V Barger, and consider how you can implement these principles in your organization today.