I don’t tend to get fired up by motivational books, and I think most public speakers don’t tell you anything you don’t already know, but instead simply remind you (which can still be helpful in itself). For some reason though I’ve been drawing energy lately from people in the public eye who are passionate about what they do and live it daily. Living life to the max, as one might say. One of these people is Starbucks’ Howard Schultz, whose recent return to the CEO role was the focus of a Wall Street Journal article this week.
Now, I don’t know the guy, I only know what I hear and read. And I realize that some people don’t like Starbucks coffee, or don’t care for the company for various reasons. I’m only speaking to Schultz’s passion for the company and what he does. People like him are fun to watch if you really pay attention, because they’re doing what so many of us aren’t or can’t – living life to the fullest, at least in one sense. From interviews you get the idea that Schultz is doing what he was put on the planet to do, and I don’t mean sell coffee. Coffee is just the vehicle. The concept of a “third place,” the original purpose of Starbucks coffee shops, is well known to many by now and probably perceived as tired company lore, but I don’t think you have the kind of success that he and the company has had without fully believing in what you’re doing. He envisioned creating a community space and he (and thousands other Starbucks “partners”) did it. That’s why I consider Starbucks a lifestyle company. Regardless of your philosophy on spending and personal finances, think of how many people get a bit of joy each day from stopping at the store and buying a cup of coffee, or having a visit with a friend over a latte. Think of the sense of community that exists every time a customer walks in and the person behind the counter knows that person by name and the drink they want without even asking.
One could argue that there’s better coffee, that Starbucks isn’t going to return to its former glory, that Schultz is motivated by money, that he’s probably sacrificed his family for money, etc., etc., etc. These and other criticisms may all be true – I’m not trying to deify Howard Schultz. I’m just saying that watching someone like that can make you wonder what you’re passionate about and whether you’re living it everyday. Something to consider.
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