Starbucks Leadership

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its first Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report. The report is verified by an independent third party. Schultz’s vision had the action it takes to achieve the desired result and values.

Charisma is the other defining characteristic for this entrepreneur. As stated above Schultz did not build the franchise on his own, he needed his employees. Schultz articulated his vision to his employees and convinced them of its reality. Schultz’s vision sets high expectations for himself and his employees. Schultz set the example of performance, high standards and values through his persistence in gaining the corporation. He exhibited courage and conviction of his vision. After setting the example, Schultz demanded the same from his employees and convinced them they could do it. His charisma made his employees believe in his vision and helped in building the Starbucks Corporation.

As noted above vision and charisma are two important characteristics of the part of leadership needed for an entrepreneur. Schultz has other leadership skills and approaches that make him a successful leader in business today. Clearly Schultz is task oriented, he has a vision and he follows it. He also is relationship oriented in his leadership approach. The Starbucks corporation calls its employees “partners.” This sets the tone of respect in the corporation. Starbucks mission statement reads, “provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity. Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.” Schultz puts these values in writing. Then he demonstrates these values by his “commitment to partners.” Starbucks listens to their employees needs and acts on their concerns. During a survey process Starbucks discovered their benefits package was lacking, so they fixed it. This simple action is powerful in proving to employees that they matter. Starbucks also has a comprehensive reward program for their employees. Schultz employs both a task and relationship oriented leadership style with skills of commitment, courage, conviction and values. As an entrepreneur he is a transformational leader with a vision and the charisma to carry it out.

Certainly leadership styles, skills and characteristics vary among all leaders even within themselves a leader’s style can change. However, the successful leader knows how and when to use the appropriate style, characteristic and skills. The successful entrepreneur transforms his organization with a vision and the charisma to carry it out.