People want guidance, not rhetoric. They need to know what the plan of action is, and how it will be implemented. They want to be given responsibility to help solve the problem and authority to act on it.
Interpretation
People seek actionable guidance rather than empty words; they want to be empowered to address challenges.
In this quote, Howard Schultz emphasizes the importance of providing clear and actionable guidance instead of mere rhetoric. He highlights that individuals not only desire to understand the plans and strategies in place but also want to be given the authority and responsibility to take part in problem-solving, suggesting that effective leadership involves empowering others to contribute meaningfully.
In practice
In a company meeting when discussing project management strategies.
The rules of engagement around building a brand have changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. Where companies at one time could spread their message through traditional marketing, consumers now seek an enduring emotional connection with the companies they patronize. The foundation of that connection is the most important characteristic of building a world-class brand: trust. Trust with your people and trust with your customers.
The future of America is not an entitlement. We have been given a treasure chest of gifts and opportunities, but some people are being left behind, and success is not sustainable unless it is shared.
Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing and more money on training our people than advertising.
While their service is ending, our responsibility is just beginning!
In life, you can blame a lot of people and you can wallow in self-pity or you can pick yourself up and say listen, I have to be responsible for myself.
When I first discovered in the early 1980s the Italian espresso bars in my trip to Italy, the vision was to re-create that for America - a third place that had not existed before. Starbucks re-created that in America in our own image; a place to go other than home or work. We also created an industry that did not exist: specialty coffee.
Our young people look up to us. Let us not let them down. Our young people need us. Saving them will make heroes of us all.
A leader's role is not to control people or stay on top of things, but rather to guide, energize and excite.
When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property.
If something can be done 80% as well by someone else, delegate!
The presidency has made every man who occupied it, no matter how small, bigger than he was; and no matter how big, not big enough for its demands.
Be men and women with others and for others: true champions at the service of others.
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