Culture Like A Starbucks Store

As I drove today, thoughts swirled around a past client and their struggling workplace culture. It dawned on me—a seemingly odd thought at first, but that’s not uncommon for me. They needed a culture reminiscent of a Starbucks store.

Stick with me here.

Defining, creating, maintaining, and nurturing a culture is a full-time job in 2023-24. Regardless of your operation's size—be it two people or 2200 people—you already have a culture. The harsh reality is that many are too busy to work on their culture or even have a finger on its pulse.

I've heard it said that your culture is what your team tells their family and friends it is. It's not always the words and motivational photos on the walls. This was the harsh reality for my past client—the owner and executives had a different perception of the culture than the rest of their team. So, how do you fix that?

Fixing the disconnect is a whole other blog post, but here's a quick tip on how to steer the ship in the right direction: Create a culture like a Starbucks store.

What does that mean?

It means creating a business where people don't have to work late, but are welcome to. Where attendance at all company team-building events isn't mandatory, but they're obviously welcome to attend if they choose.

Starbucks did something groundbreaking in the realm of cafes —they created a new experience. They designed spaces inviting enough to spend hours in, if you so choose, or not, it was all o.k. This global brand allowed the community (customers) to choose how they interacted with the brand and products. And there lies the opportunity to create this in our workplace cultures.

Is Starbucks trying to be for everyone? Absolutely not. But they've excelled in creating a space that accommodates various brand experiences. Regardless of the choice—hanging out solo with a book for three hours or a 45-second drive-through coffee pickup—they've built it so you know and feel like you've been to a Starbucks.

How does this relate to my past client? This is my call to action for them and any business facing cultural challenges—to get creative. Sit in the nearest Starbucks and watch it unfold. Work with your team to create a business environment that allows them to choose their own adventure in terms of culture.

Does this mean everyone should play jazz music and buy brown leather chairs? I don't know the ultimate answer, but you can bet the Starbucks team has thought deeply about such details. Perhaps it's time we do too.

When creating a culture, aim for something inclusive and accessible. Push for it until it becomes how your team describes their work culture to friends.

Here are a few action-able things you can adopt today to create a more ‘user-friendly’ culture in 2023-24:

• Casual Gathering Spaces:

  • Create comfortable and inviting common areas for informal meetings or breaks.

  • Invest in ergonomic furniture and consider incorporating natural elements for a relaxed atmosphere.

• Inclusive Team Building:

  • Plan team-building activities that cater to diverse interests and preferences.

  • Rotate the responsibility of organizing events among team members to ensure inclusivity.

• Open Communication Channels:

  • Establish open lines of communication where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.

  • Foster transparent communication from leadership about company goals, challenges, and successes.

• Personalized Development Plans:

  • Implement individualized development plans based on employees' strengths, interests, and career goals.

  • Encourage continuous learning and provide resources for skill enhancement.

• Recognition and Appreciation:

  • Implement a recognition program acknowledging both big achievements and small wins.

  • Create a culture of gratitude where team members openly appreciate each other's contributions.

• Community Involvement:

  • Support and encourage involvement in charitable or community projects.

  • Sponsor team volunteer events and recognize employees' efforts in giving back.

• Choice in Workspace:

  • Offer flexibility in choosing workspaces, such as quiet areas, collaborative spaces, or individual offices.

  • Provide tools and technology that enable a seamless transition between different work environments.

• Accessible Leadership:

  • Foster approachability among leadership, encouraging regular check-ins and open-door policies.

  • Implement a mentorship program that connects employees with leaders for guidance and support.

  #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipInsights #StarbucksCulture