In this episode, Howard Behar talks about how he helped build the Starbucks Empire with Howard Shultz and Orin Smith. Throughout this talk, he alludes to servant leadership as the key to success in this business venture.
Recognizing relationships and people as the ultimate factor in creating a successful business, I learned so much about the human factor of life. Howard wrote 2500 letters every month to employees for birthdays and company anniversaries as a way to foster recognition and community in the company.
In addition, he coined the phrase, “the person that sweeps the floor should choose the broom.” Sometimes it’s difficult for CEOs to let go of the control of their company, but Howard emphasized giving the people power so they can feel they have a say in the company.
This talk was such a humbling conversation as someone who is entering the professional world. Understanding that someone who helped expand from 28 to over 15,000 in 5 continents key to success was relationships was a very important lesson that I and others can benefit from.
If you want to hear more about the Starbucks history and their steps to make it to the company it is today, tune in for more!
Howards Contact Info:
hb@howardbehar.com
206-972-7776