Starbucks said of the leadership structure that “through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks experience to life for every customer, through every cup” (Starbucks, 2013). Starbucks has been a leader in the beverage industry since the 1980s; yes, Starbucks opened before that, but only began to control the industry in the 80s. Leadership has always been an important point within the company, not only. with his internal family but also with the community. Many leadership traits can be attributed to Starbucks' success, but as one analyst points out, servant leadership really stands out, from general managers all the way down to baristas, Starbucks prides itself on not only ensuring this. the cup of coffee consumers will drink exceeds expectations, but welcomes everyone into the Starbucks family. An example of this servant leadership is when former Starbucks Chairman Howard Behar and CEO Howard Schultz came to the aid of the families of employees who had been shot. and killed in Washington, D.C. After receiving a call in the middle of the night at his Seattle home, Behar immediately called his CEO and told him about the tragic events and what happened next that stunned him the most . Howard Schultz traveled to Washington DC to join the families of his three murdered employees. . Behar having left the previous company for his tendency to show his emotions on his sleeve admired Schultz for his courageous and compassionate heart. He was a leader he wanted to work for. Value is created by servant leaders by giving back to their communities, encouraging followership and volunteerism. Starbucks was to hold a leadership conference...... middle of paper ......ed from http://www.businessweek.com.DeGraff, J. (nd). Driving change and innovation. Retrieved from http://competingvalues.com/Gallos, J.V. (2012). Leadership, love and authenticity: Howard Schultz and Starbucks. Retrieved from http://theleadershipprofessor.com/2012/01/leadership-love-and-authenticity-howard-schultz-and-starbucksGreen Mountain Coffee Roasters. (2103) Purpose, mission and values. Retrieved from http://www.gmcr.com/aboutHoward Schultz Starbucks First Mate. (2008, October). Entrepreneur. Retrieved from http://www. entreprenur.comStarbucks (2013). Business Ethics and Compliance. Retrieved from http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/business-ethics-and-complianceThe Wall Street Journal. (2013). How to develop future leaders. Retrieved from http://guides.wsj.com/management/managing-your-people/how-to-develop-future-leaders/