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3.71 of 5 stars
“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 meanin... read full description

reviews

Oct 03, 2008
Jeff rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This was an excellent leadership book. I was intrigued by it by the recent national closure of starbucks for training. They didn't train them to make better coffee, but to find a higher purpose. It's extremely important for people to find a higher purpose in their jobs. As a library manager, it would seem easy to understand the higher purpose. Like any organization, people lose that feeling and I felt this book was good at providing a way to get that back.

Some quotes:

" More...
Feb 02, 2011
Tiffany rated it: 3 of 5 stars
If "It's Not About the Coffee," then Starbucks is about the people according to this book by Howard Behar. Behar, a one-time executive at Starbuck's tells about how the coffee empire's focus is not just about serving the best coffee, but about serving its customers and employers. Read more at http://compulsivebookreader.blogspot.com...
Jul 08, 2011
Barbara rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book has a variety of tips and tricks on nurturing positive attitudes and a feeling of community within the workplace that the discerning reader can take advantage of. However, do be aware that, much like Howard Schulz, Behar tends to sound as though he lives within a utopian universe, rather than the one where the rest of society resides.
Jun 04, 2009
Craig rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This is an important book to read. But the basic message was simple:

- Know your values and stick to them.
- Be honest
- Be open and communicate what you want
- Allow people to choose their own path
- Treat your peeps as humans.

Not rocket science, but an important message. Probably good to read the book to reinforce the message, though it may be somewhat obvious.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Aug 05, 2011
Natalie added it
Grandiose and monotous, this book is not a helpful leadership tool. Howard Behar has good ideas about more communal and compassionate leadership strategy, which I really agree with and support. But the way he communicates his ideas comes across as preaching, and he does not connect it to real life business situations at Starbucks enough. Overall, I found this book very disappointing.
Oct 09, 2011
Manuja rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I love this book. He is focused on Ten principals. The leaders should follow these principal and the employees should work for leaders who follows these principals. The book is simple but it will open you to true leadership soul.
Oct 21, 2009
Elizabeth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Well I hate starbucks but loved this book. I was having the ever popular "what am I doing with my life" discussion and the principals made gave me some new ideas of how to straighten out my career path. Thanks Howard!
Oct 22, 2009
Chris rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Intriguing read. Author (President of Starbucks International) provides lots of anecdotal information, from his own personal experiences of successes and failures, of what true leadership is and how to successfully manage the important task of leading others.
His overriding thesis is that TRUE and successful leaders focus on the people you are leading (and serving) -- rather than on the product or service that is being provided. Leadership involves being unselfish, genuine, authentic, tru More...
Mar 15, 2010
Alison rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great book on leadership. Mr. Behar writes about his experiences as a leader at Starbucks. Interesting and relevant to all fields!
Jan 12, 2012
Randy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Read the Indonesian one, published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama.

Short, brief, inspiring. :)
Dec 29, 2010
John rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great little book examining leadership lessons in developing the success of Starbucks. All of the observations can be applied to any organization to help them become more successful.
Jun 21, 2009
Cbworkman25 rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I liked Starbucked and wanted more detail. We'll see how it goes.
Nov 21, 2008
Catrina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I really really liked this one! Very good insight.
Mar 27, 2010
Lisa marked it as to-read
Molly Recommendation.
Mar 17, 2011
Brendan rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I love Starbucks. Just do. This lets you know its driving force: Howard Behar.
Sep 24, 2008
Patricia rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This a general business book written by a former Starbucks executive. I've met Howard Behar (not Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, the "other Howard") and he's a nice, down to earth kind of guy. This books doesn't break any new ground but it lays out a good philosophy for being successful and staying connected to your people that I think Vickie, Erica and Kristen especially will appreciate. A quick read, worth it.
Jul 09, 2008
Jill rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great book with some wonderful insight into how to be a better manager. But I found it interesting even though I'm not a manager. Employees will also get great ideas about how to better interact with each other and the public. Good read if you're looking to really figure out what it is you're doing or should be doing.
Jul 10, 2008
Regina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great book. It would be a better world if all companies had the same outlook on how to treat their people and their customers. I have a lot of respect for the company now, and will no long look at it with an ounce of cynicism. All proceeds from the book goes to charity.
May 29, 2008
Bridget rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I learned some very good principles from this book. Especially ones that I can carry over into the work place. I learned that I can view overall humans as good people, but I also learned that Starbucks seems to not use these principles in their stores right now.
Dec 18, 2009
Calsee rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I only read half of this book after it was given to me after I listened to a great talk by Behar. I had great expectations but he covered everything in the book in his hour long presentation.
Nov 01, 2008
Amy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A good quick read. Some of the analogies were a little weird, but the underlying thoughts were quite good. I jotted down several items from this book to try out and use for personal enrichment.
Aug 04, 2011
MeXiukas rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I have just finished reading that book, and can say, that it was one of the greatest leadership books, I have read. Easy to read, nice stories from author's experience and good thoughts.
Mar 17, 2008
Brent rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I really loved this book. I think it's a great read for anyone interested in Starbucks and/or leadership. Howard had some great insight into truly understanding your true self.
Oct 26, 2008
Jean is currently reading it
I am liking this so far - got stopped by the question "If there were no judgement, where would you be right now?". Thoughtful and insighful book about leadership.
Mar 17, 2008
Marty rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Excellant leadership principles. "I decided to lead, not by trying to be a leader, but by trying to live in a way that was more true to me as a human being' p.15
Jan 29, 2012
Paula rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Even if you don't like coffee (or Starbucks) this book presents important leadership ideas with concrete examples from a successful entrepreneur.
Jan 02, 2012
Jennifer rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Cute. Hopefully they do "put the people first"! Large corporations tend to forget the value of their human capital...
Feb 08, 2011
Katie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Ok for "required reading" for work. Pretty much stated the obvious for me, but it's priciples were still valuable.
Jan 03, 2010
Avalon added it
A businessman's "I'm so awesome" tale. Nothing of value.
Jul 29, 2010
Tanya rated it: 4 of 5 stars
pretty interesting and inspiring.