The time constraints of being a bi-vocational pastor have pretty much eliminated my goal of reading a book every week, but I am still reading quite a bit, so as I read something worth sharing, I will try to post it here.
Title: Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul
Author: Howard Schultz
Category: Leadership
Rating (out of 5): 4 (Very useful) Re-Read: Yes
I got a free copy of this book when I became a Starbuck’s partner (i.e. employee), which was nice because I was already considering purchasing it.
To begin with, Onward is simply an interesting story. Starbucks founder Howard Schultz stepped down as CEO when the company was on top. But as the recession hit, Starbucks found itself in deep trouble — expanding too fast and losing sight of its vision even as the “$4 coffee” became the symbol of excess. Schultz steps backup as CEO desperately hoping it it not too late to save Starbucks.
Along the way, he has many leadership lessons to share, including the dangers of success, which tends to hide the cracks in the foundation. Well worth reading!
