It's Not About the Coffee by Howard Behar

Last updated: Sep 2, 2023

Summary of It's Not About the Coffee by Howard Behar

It's Not About the Coffee by Howard Behar is a book that explores the principles and values that have made Starbucks one of the most successful and beloved companies in the world. Behar, who served as the President of Starbucks North America and later as the company's Chief Executive Officer, shares his insights and experiences in leading the coffee giant.

The book begins by emphasizing the importance of people and relationships in business. Behar believes that success comes from building a strong company culture and treating employees with respect and dignity. He shares stories of how Starbucks prioritized its employees' well-being and growth, creating a sense of belonging and purpose within the organization.

Behar also emphasizes the significance of customer service. He believes that creating a positive and memorable experience for customers is crucial for any business. Starbucks' commitment to providing exceptional service is evident in its training programs and the company's focus on personal connections with customers.

Another key theme in the book is the importance of values and ethics in business. Behar discusses how Starbucks made decisions based on its core values, even when faced with difficult situations. He emphasizes the need for leaders to have a strong moral compass and to make choices that align with their values.

Behar also delves into the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of their team members and work to support their growth and development. He shares personal anecdotes and examples of how he applied this leadership style at Starbucks, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

Throughout the book, Behar emphasizes the idea that success is not just about the product or the bottom line, but about the people and the relationships that drive a business. He encourages readers to focus on building a strong company culture, providing exceptional customer service, and making decisions based on values and ethics.

In conclusion, It's Not About the Coffee is a comprehensive guide to leadership and business success, based on the principles and values that have made Starbucks a global phenomenon. Behar's insights and experiences provide valuable lessons for leaders in any industry, emphasizing the importance of people, relationships, and values in achieving long-term success.

1. The Importance of Values

In "It's Not About the Coffee," Howard Behar emphasizes the significance of values in building a successful organization. He believes that values should be the foundation of any business, as they guide decision-making and shape the company's culture. Behar shares his experience at Starbucks, where he witnessed the power of values in creating a strong and united team. By aligning their actions with the company's core values, Starbucks employees were able to deliver exceptional customer service and foster a sense of community.

Behar's insight is actionable for any organization. By clearly defining and communicating values, leaders can ensure that everyone in the company understands the principles that guide their work. This creates a shared sense of purpose and helps employees make decisions that are in line with the organization's values. By prioritizing values, businesses can build a strong culture and differentiate themselves from competitors.

2. Servant Leadership

Another key takeaway from "It's Not About the Coffee" is the concept of servant leadership. Behar believes that leaders should prioritize serving their employees rather than being served. He argues that by putting the needs of their team members first, leaders can create a positive and empowering work environment. Behar shares examples from his time at Starbucks, where leaders focused on supporting and developing their employees, resulting in high levels of engagement and loyalty.

This insight is profound because it challenges traditional notions of leadership. Behar's approach highlights the importance of empathy, humility, and collaboration in leading a successful organization. By adopting a servant leadership mindset, leaders can build trust, inspire their teams, and foster a culture of continuous growth and development.

3. Embracing Change

Behar emphasizes the need for organizations to embrace change in order to thrive. He shares his experience at Starbucks, where the company had to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. Behar believes that change is inevitable and that organizations must be willing to take risks and innovate in order to stay relevant.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it challenges the fear and resistance often associated with change. Behar encourages leaders to view change as an opportunity for growth and improvement. By embracing change, organizations can stay ahead of the competition, anticipate customer needs, and continuously evolve to meet the demands of the market.

4. Building Relationships

In "It's Not About the Coffee," Behar emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders. He believes that strong relationships are the foundation of a successful business. Behar shares examples from Starbucks, where the company prioritized creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for both customers and employees.

This insight is actionable because it highlights the importance of investing in relationships. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, organizations can create loyal customers and engaged employees. Behar's approach reminds leaders to prioritize human connections in a world that is becoming increasingly digital and transactional.

5. Authenticity and Transparency

Behar emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust with customers and employees. He believes that organizations should be open and honest in their communication, even when facing difficult situations. Behar shares examples from Starbucks, where the company took responsibility for its mistakes and openly addressed customer concerns.

This insight is profound because it challenges the tendency to hide or downplay mistakes. Behar's approach highlights the power of authenticity in building trust and loyalty. By being transparent, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to integrity and accountability, ultimately strengthening their relationships with customers and employees.

6. The Power of Listening

Behar emphasizes the importance of listening as a key leadership skill. He believes that leaders should prioritize listening to their employees, customers, and stakeholders in order to understand their needs and perspectives. Behar shares examples from Starbucks, where leaders actively sought feedback and incorporated it into decision-making.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it highlights the often overlooked power of listening. By actively listening, leaders can gain valuable insights, build trust, and make more informed decisions. Behar's approach reminds leaders to create a culture of open communication and to value the diverse perspectives of their team members and customers.

7. The Role of Purpose

Behar believes that organizations should have a clear and meaningful purpose beyond just making money. He argues that purpose-driven organizations are more likely to attract and retain top talent, as well as build strong customer loyalty. Behar shares examples from Starbucks, where the company's purpose of "inspiring and nurturing the human spirit" guided their actions and decision-making.

This insight is actionable because it encourages leaders to define and communicate a compelling purpose for their organization. By aligning their work with a higher purpose, employees are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. Behar's approach reminds leaders to go beyond financial goals and to create a sense of meaning and impact in their organizations.

8. Continuous Learning and Growth

Behar emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth for both leaders and employees. He believes that organizations should prioritize investing in the development of their people. Behar shares examples from Starbucks, where the company provided various opportunities for learning and growth, such as leadership development programs and tuition reimbursement.

This insight is profound because it highlights the value of investing in people as a strategic advantage. By prioritizing continuous learning, organizations can foster a culture of innovation and adaptability. Behar's approach reminds leaders to create opportunities for their employees to develop new skills, expand their knowledge, and reach their full potential.