Upon reflection
of the past week I find myself compelled to compare my experiences as a teacher
leader with those of a Starbucks barista. At first you might question this
comparison but with deeper reflection I believe that you will realize that
the alliance is clearly there. And, it is quite profound. Honestly, I
did not expect to discover such an alliance, but it is true to say that I
have indeed discovered that the values, beliefs, and assumptions of a Starbucks
barista do not venture far off track of those of the credentialed teacher.
Starbucks' values are:
Starbucks' values are:
Passion for everything we do
Integrity
Entrepreneurial spirit and drive
Respect for our partners
Respect for each
other is really important in both arenas. Social camaraderie is high in a
well-run school, and at a well-managed Starbucks. Work ethic is the most
important thing about being a barista, and one of the most important things
about being a qualified teacher of record. Our summers are spent planning for
better lesson instruction, delivery, and facilitation. Reinventing ourselves
comes with the title. Social skills and making eye contact with customers
(students) is also very important. Shared values are what will make
or break any organization. In my opinion it seems as though the educational
system would benefit from taking on the vision and values of a
top-notch entrepreneurial establishment such as Starbucks.
There is always
room for growth, and room for acquiring new knowledge. We are both customer
focused, with the end result being centered on growth. Not only growth of
the individual, but also of the establishment as a whole. If the
educational systems at large could bring things basics into focus, and keep the
student at the center of all actions, what a world it could be! I
am hopeful that this will be accomplished during the next reform. Common
Core State Standards are a call to action to implement these sorts of shifts in
how our nation's schools operate. At the risk of sounding starry-eyed
and unrealistic, I truly believe that creating student-centered schools is a
real possibility. I realize that it starts with small
meaningful actions that, overtime, create a ripple effect that cannot
be ignored. I have put my toes in the water, and have already experienced the
positive momentum that comes from this sort of mindset. Moving forward
into the 21st century I realize that educational reform will take time and
patience until we're all "in the pink." Our collaborative focus needs
to remain centered on our students. They deserve the very best that
all of us have to offer. Together, we are
stronger and smarter than any one of us could be alone. So, in light of
Starbucks' core purpose, "To
provide an uplifting experience that enriches people’s daily lives."
I believe that we will get there. As a
teacher leader my integrity, spirit, drive, and respect for my peers
and students will be the driving force to achieving our mutual educational
goals. The guiding principles, values, and beliefs of Starbucks
Corporation are in direct alignment with those of
our educational model:
• Provide a great work (school) environment and treat each
other with respect and dignity.
• Embrace diversity as an essential component to the way we
do business (school).
• Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers (students)
all of the time.
• Contribute positively to our communities and our
environment.
• Recognize that profitability (growth) is essential to our
future success.
These are
the tenants that Starbucks partners live by. It seems to me that public
education would benefit from following the steps that Starbucks has firmly
positioned. In the process of comparing and contrasting the vision and
values of this top-notch American enterprise it is apparent that many of their
organizational beliefs and values are directly transferrable to the educational
setting. Enabling teacher leaders to utilize shared best practices will
ultimately create a united vision that shows in everything that we do. After
reporting on Starbucks and how they do business around the globe, I discovered that
all Starbucks locations are consistent in their shared beliefs and practices,
but are still able to remain flexible within their own cultures. Sharing core
principles doesn't mean that we need to become cookie-cutter versions of each
other. In fact, our diversity is what makes is unique. This begs the question,
“Should educational reform aim to restructure schools to behave and respond
identically in all regions?” It appears that the influence of the culture of a
surrounding area plays a significant role in how the organization looks and
feels, but not in how it behaves or is structurally organized.
As a teacher
leader I am inspired. The value of
positive personal and interpersonal relationships is beyond measure. I understand that
leadership begins with me. Who knew I would discover so many connections
between teaching and being a top-notch Starbucks barista? I am ready, able, and
willing to make the leap to consciously incorporate these tenets into my
daily life. Although I believe that I have personally developed these
guiding principles throughout my life, the intent of my actions will be
more focused by naming these tenants and keeping them visible. As a
teacher leader I plan to share these tenants with my partners. After all,
attitudes and actions are contagious. Just imagine how our schools will look,
sound, and feel when everyone behaves with these principles at the core of
everything that they do? Our future is bright.
Diana Stein
EDL/515
June 9, 2014
Jonathan Lewis
