From Employees to Partners

Employees form the backbone of companies, as they create products that generate revenue and ultimately lead to profits. These profits are then redistributed to employees in the form of benefits, salaries, and improved working conditions. As such, employees are indeed an indispensable part of companies. Starbucks, for example, goes the extra mile by referring to their employees as "partners."

In Charles Duhigg's book, "The Power of Habit," one chapter highlights how keystone habits, when cultivated within a company's workforce, can significantly benefit the organization. The book discusses various examples of organizational leaders transforming their employees' habits, which in turn leads to more profitable and employee-friendly workplaces.

One standout example is Starbucks, which has implemented a systematic approach to instill the habit of willpower in its employees. This has made them happier, more efficient, and better equipped to provide exceptional customer service. Here are some key strategies Starbucks uses to achieve this:

1. Systematic Training: Starbucks offers a structured training program for new employees, covering the company's history, core values, and diverse products. This training also encompasses crucial skills like customer service, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
2. Developing Willpower: Starbucks stresses the importance of willpower as a vital skill for employees. They train their workforce to develop and strengthen willpower through practical exercises and the LATTE (Listen, Acknowledge, Take action, Thank, and Explain) method for addressing customer complaints.
3. Empowerment through Decision-making: Starbucks empowers employees by allowing them to make certain decisions that enhance customer satisfaction. This boosts employee confidence and efficiency, making them feel more responsible and accountable for their actions.
4. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Starbucks encourages personal and professional development, providing resources such as workshops, online courses, and seminars for employees to continuously learn and improve their skills.
5. Reward and Recognition: Starbucks values employee recognition and rewards hard work and dedication. They offer competitive pay, benefits, and growth opportunities, fostering a positive work environment that promotes efficiency.
6. Maintaining Consistency: Starbucks standardizes procedures and practices to ensure consistent quality and service across all locations. This not only simplifies employee training but also helps maintain high efficiency levels.
7. Focus on Teamwork: Starbucks prioritizes teamwork and collaboration, cultivating a supportive work environment where employees assist each other and share knowledge, contributing to overall efficiency and productivity.

While Starbucks is the example given in Duhigg's book, these principles can be adopted by any organization seeking to make their employees (or "partners") happier, more productive, and efficient.

Cultivating efficient habits can free up mental resources, allowing individuals to tackle more complex and challenging tasks. Embrace good habits and witness the transformative impact.