Introduction
The issue of management in the hospitality industry has captured the attention of many scholars and theorists within the past few decades. Such discussants have presented evidence-based strategies that can be applied in the industry to deliver timely results. Additionally, some exceptional leaders such as Howard Schultz have presented exemplary ideas that can be emulated by different managers in the industry. This paper, therefore, offers a reflection of the book “Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing its Soul” by the chief executive officer (CEO) of Starbucks Corporation.
Key Points
The selected book details the story of Howard Schultz’s return to Starbucks and the obstacles he had to deal with in an attempt to turn things around. The economic meltdown of the year 2008 destabilized the company. With his passion for greatness, leadership, and innovation, Schultz focused on the best initiatives and strategies to revolutionize Starbucks’ performance (Schultz, 2011). He began his transformation agenda by closing unproductive stores.
Schultz’s boldness was observed when he began to tackle the company’s problems. Employees were educated about the proposed agenda, the need to implement powerful initiatives, and the importance of teamwork. He was also keen to engage every employee (Schultz, 2011). Workers (or partners) were entitled to medical insurance and encouraged to participate in every decision-making process.
The desire to focus on the changing needs of the corporation’s customers was another powerful strategy employed by Howard Schultz. The experience of every customer, according to the CEO, could either break or make the company. Schultz implemented a powerful plan to build a reputable brand that fulfilled every customer’s demands (Schultz, 2011). He addressed the smell of coffee in different stores and focused on the choices of different customers. New training sessions were considered to equip every barista with the right skills and values.
Relation to Hospitality Organizations
The key points outlined above echo most of the best practices associated with the hospitality industry. To begin with, the industry focuses on unforgettable experiences and superior services that can meet the needs of more customers from diverse backgrounds. Schultz implemented powerful approaches in an attempt to maximize the customer experience. He achieved this goal by introducing superior products and reengineering the existing ones (Schultz, 2011). He also collaborated with different baristas and trained them to deliver timely results.
The second issue revolves around the empowerment of employees and followers. The leader created a positive culture whereby workers were treated as partners. They received health insurance cover and competitive remunerations. They were also involved in every decision-making process (Schultz, 2011). These best practices can empower employees to meet the diverse needs of more customers in the industry.
The book shows how the top leadership at Starbucks focused on quality products and serene environments. It was the right time for every store to offer the best coffee. The introduction of new products such as sandwiches satisfied the needs of more customers. The smell of coffee was also done away with (Schultz, 2011). These initiatives show clearly that players in the hospitality industry should offer quality products and ensure that every surrounding environment is attractive to the targeted customers.
The reader also observes how Howard Schultz was always committed to the company’s performance. He encouraged his followers and subordinates to be keen on the targeted objectives (Schultz, 2011). The concept that every activity or product associated with Starbucks must be improved every week worked effectively. These attributes can result in improved performance in the hospitality industry.
Key Assertions to Leadership Roles
The author makes powerful assertions to leadership roles in the hospitality industry. For instance, leaders in the sector should begin by identifying the existing weaknesses in their respective organizations. This move can empower them to develop powerful change models that can add value to their companies (Schultz, 2011). Managers should also engage others, support their needs, and focus on the targeted vision.
Leaders should be aware of the diverse needs of their customers. Although managers might interact with them directly, they should empower their followers to monitor and meet their needs (Schultz, 2011). They should create new research and development (R&D) teams to come up with superior products.
The case of Schultz reveals that leadership in the industry should be backed by strong communication skills. Leaders should articulate goals, listen to their followers and juniors, and interact with stakeholders. Efficient communication empowers leaders to identify emerging gaps and challenges (Schultz, 2011). This knowledge can be used to implement powerful quality improvement (QI) initiatives.
Howard Schultz managed to inspire confidence and engage his followers. This example can be replicated by leaders in the industry to identify gaps, share the vision, and formulate attainable goals. Inspired stakeholders become involved and willing to address emerging challenges. The followers also become confident, empowered, and ready to achieve the outlined goals (Schultz, 2011). On top of these attributes, Schultz’s story explains why inner values should be taken seriously by leaders. They should laugh with their followers frequently. They should guide and nurture them whenever mistakes occur. Managers should also be willing to learn from their followers. The strategy will make it easier to improve their leadership philosophies and eventually make their companies successful.
Relating the Principles Presented in the Book to my Semester Experience
Throughout the semester, I have developed powerful leadership competencies that can support my future objectives. Some of the acquired skills include problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. These attributes can be applied in the hospitality industry to improve performance. For instance, I now know how to solve conflicts or disagreements. I have also made crucial decisions throughout the semester such as identifying the right skills to develop.
The class materials have equipped me with appropriate competencies such as efficient communication. I have understood that individuals should communicate efficiently and embrace the power of diversity. I have acquired appropriate competencies that echo the principles described in Howard Schultz’s book. For example, our group discussions have guided me to solve problems and make timely decisions. The activities undertaken throughout the semester have empowered me to communicate with others efficiently. I have also improved my listening skills.
I can create a vision, share it with others, and form teams to achieve every targeted objective. Such attributes can be applied in the hospitality industry to meet the needs of different customers. Additionally, I can inspire others and promote values such as honesty, diligence, trust, and ethics. Another crucial experience that relates to the ideas presented in the book is the concept of continuous improvement. I always interact with people and identify emerging concepts to improve my leadership philosophy.
Relating the Principles Presented in the Book to my Professional Experiences
The principles described in this book relate to my professional experiences. To begin with, my professional objective is to become a successful entrepreneur. My triumph will depend on the ability to apply evidence-based leadership concepts and models. Within the past five years, I have developed various competencies that have made me a proficient leader. For example, I can make timely decisions, solve problems, and mentor others. These attributes are similar to the ones exhibited by Schultz.
Entrepreneurs must always be aware of the concerns raised by their customers. Schultz hired skilled employees and trained them to meet their customers’ needs (Schultz, 2011). I have always been focusing on the best approaches that can be used to empower my future customers. Efficient communication is a powerful skill that forms a critical aspect of my leadership philosophy.
As an entrepreneur, I will use the above approaches to identify the challenges affecting my followers, engage them, and make timely decisions. The concept of leadership in professional practice is also complex. As a leader, I understand the importance of solving problems amicably, creating and communicating vision, making decisions, and empowering others.
The concept of lifelong learning is also something that has the potential to make me successful. As a leader, I will be identifying emerging attributes, ideas, and concepts that can support my followers. I will embrace the power of innovation to produce superior products. The book also indicates that leaders should create powerful teams and empower them to achieve every objective.
Conclusion
Skilled leaders use their competencies to implement powerful organizational changes, support their followers, share the vision, and promote desirable cultures. Howard Schultz’s presence at Starbucks led to greater gains and profits through the use of such approaches. He empowered his followers, trained them, and transformed the corporation’s business model within a short duration. I am planning to combine the above aspects to develop a superior philosophy that can support my professional aims.
Reference
Schultz, H. (2011). Onward: How Starbucks fought for its life without losing its soul. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books.