Behar Howard - Its not about the coffee: lessons on putting people first from a life at starbucks

Howard Behar, the keeper of Starbucks soul for many years, has given us a book about how to succeed anywherenot just in business. His ten principles should be required reading for every government official and college president. The core of his message reveals his humanity, his willingness to give respect down as well as up the corporate hierarchy, and his insistence that good values can be the key to long-term profits.

Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley

Its Not About the Coffee is about leadership from the inside out, leadership that begins with who you are and not with what you do. After living and applying the principles of this kind of leadership throughout a distinguished career, Howard Behar now generously shares his experiences with us, and in so doing has written the most down-to-earth, in-the-trenches, straightforward, and utterly useful leadership book Ive ever read.

James A. Autry, author of The Book of Hard Choices and The Servant Leader

Its Not About the Coffee offers the true ingredients for enduring results: a set of proven principles we can all aspire to work and live by. With his trademark honesty and high expectations, Howard Behar provides stories, recommendations, and guardrails for anyone seeking to achieve sustainable success in their organization and life.

Bob Fisher, former chairman, Gap Inc.

The gap between a unique, valuable idea and its implementation into the world is huge. And no matter how sophisticated the technology or the spin, the secret sauce always comes back to the people, to really get things done. Howard Behar has given us the gift of an inside look into the recipe for that sauce, and the kitchen it was created in. The tips inside are intelligent, heartfelt, tested and honed in reality. Bravo.

David Allen, author of Getting Things Done

The story of Starbucks is itself an astonishing read. But whats even better is getting a true insiders view of how it all happened. Behar was not only there, he was a major force behind the values, programs, systems, and rigor required to build this truly great company. This book is a must-have for any leader who aspires to build an enduringly great company.

Keith Yamashita, chairman, Stone Yamashita Partners

Its Not About the Coffee is a testament to Behars profound grasp of the link between relationshipslets call it human connectivityand success. The principles in this book, when taken to heart, will resolve issues of customer loyalty and employee engagement. Read it!

Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations

Its wonderful, after years of listening to Howard think out loud, to see his focus on humanity in business captured so clearly. Howards ten basic principles illustrate how genuine, purposeful, and caring attention to your people can drive extraordinary results.

Craig E. Weatherup, former president of PepsiCo and chairman and CEO of Pepsi-Cola

When Howard speaks of words like mission, pride, and service, he is laying out the tenets for running a business and building one of the greatest brands in the world. The by-product of his strategy is a corporate culture that stems from individuals who are inspired and empowered to work for the greater good of the brand and its customers. This book is a step-by-step guide for people searching for daily inspiration and those meant to deliver it.

Kevin Plank, CEO, Under Armour

Howard stands alone as a person who lives his deepest principles in the workplace and inspires others to do so. Through his example, success, and concrete insights, Its Not About the Coffee has the potential to be life changing for executives who want to inspire genuine greatness in their teams and bring more meaning to their own lives. This book has never left my bedside table.

Chip Adams, partner, Rosewood Capital