I know Ryan usually writes the thoughtful perspective around here but with seminary starting today, he is already digging into a whole new world of thoughts. I thought I would take the opportunity to sneak in some thoughts I have been having my most recent read. Rarely do Ryan & I both love a book equally but after he attended the Leadership Summit (simulcast) at a local church we both dug into this book:
He read it in the first two days we were on vacation and I have about thirty pages left. I present Onward by Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks coffee. I know, I know, what does a business man’s story about an insanely successful business have to share that I am dying to tell you?
The thoughts have been percolating (sorry, had to throw a coffee joke in there) in my brain for the past few days about Howard’s perspective and ultimately his love for this company. I know from my meaningful experience being part of a team who loves what they do that it doesn’t come easy to keep perspective as you grow and change. Reading through the ups and downs of the Starbucks brand gave me insight into how hard leading well can be. Sometimes you have to make decisions that really stink. I’m not too good at that one yet. I also realized that being passionate about something means being open to change and seeing it through the valleys with as much belief and conviction as when you first began.
This story has everything I love. Coffee. Change. Caring about providing people with human interaction and a connection in a place they feel a part of. It surprised me in the very best kind of way. Just when I thought independent coffee houses were the only way to go, there it was, wooing me back with it’s pumpkin spice lattes and VIA caramel iced coffee. Pure caffeinated joy.
Topics…
