Discover the secrets of world-class leadership

When it comes to refined service and exquisite hospitality, one name stands high above the rest: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. With ceaseless attention to every luxurious detail, the company has set the bar for creating memorable customer experiences in world-class settings. Now, for the first time, the leadership secrets behind the company's extraordinary success are revealed.

"The New Gold Standard" takes you on an exclusive tour behind the scenes of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Granted unprecedented access to the company's executives, staff, and its award-winning Leadership Center training facilities, bestselling author Joseph Michelli explored every level of leadership within the organization. He emerged with the key principles leaders at any company can use to provide a customer experience unlike any other, such as: Understanding the ever-evolving needs of customers Empowering employees by treating them with the utmost respect Anticipating customers' unexpressed needs and concerns Developing and conducting an unsurpassed training regimen

Sharing engaging stories from the company's employees--from the corporate office and hotels around the globe--Michelli describes the innovative methods the company uses to create peerless guest experiences and explains how it constantly hones and improves them.

"The New Gold Standard" weaves practical how-to advice, proven leadership tools, and the wisdom of experts to help you create and embed superior customer-service principles, processes, and practices in your own organization."

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SUCCESS

You already know the Starbucks story. Since 1992, its stock has risen a staggering 5,000 percent The genius of Starbucks success lies in its ability to create personalized customer experiences, stimulate business growth, generate profits, energize employees, and secure customer loyalty-all at the same time.

"The Starbucks Experience" contains a robust blend of home-brewed ingenuity and people-driven philosophies that have made Starbucks one of the world's "most admired" companies, according to "Fortune" magazine. With unique access to Starbucks personnel and resources, Joseph Michelli discovered that the success of Starbucks is driven by the people who work there-the "partners"-and the special experience they create for each customer. Michelli reveals how you can follow the Starbucks way to Reach out to entire communities Listen to individual workers and consumers Seize growth opportunities in every market Custom-design a truly satisfying experience that benefits everyone involved

Filled with real-life insider stories, eye-opening anecdotes, and solid step-by-step strategies, this fascinating book takes you deep inside one of the most talked-about companies in the world today.

For anyone who wants to learn from the best-and be the best-"The Starbucks Experience" is a rich, heady brew of unforgettable user-friendly ideas.

Lead Your Business the Starbucks Way

Foreword by Herve Humler, President and COO, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

One of the best-recognized and admired brands in the world, Starbucks singlehandedly transformed the ordinary delivery of coffee into a cultural phenomenon--a result of the company's exemplary leadership practices.

Joseph Michelli, author of the "Wall Street Journal, USA Today," and "BusinessWeek" bestseller "The Starbucks Experience," explains that the international success of Starbucks begins with a promise: To inspire and nurture the human spirit--one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Michelli offers a perspective on the leadership principles that drove the iconic coffee company's resurgence from serious setbacks during the economic downturn--one of the few true turnaround stories of this time. And the company continues to grow dramatically, entering new markets and channels with fresh products and technologies.

In "Leading the Starbucks Way," Michelli establishes five actionable principles that fuel long-term global sustainability at Starbucks and that can be used in any company, in any industry: Savor and Elevate Love to Be Loved Reach for Common Ground Mobilize the Connection Cherish and Challenge Your Legacy

"Leading the Starbucks Way" is a penetrating look at the inner workings of one of today's most successful brands. The company gave Michelli one-on-one access to a variety of employees (called partners) to write this book--from baristas to senior leaders, including Howard Schultz, chairman, president, and chief executive officer.

In short, success is all about loving your product, loving your customers, and loving your employees. Sincerely. Without fail. Even in the face of business challenges.

Praise for "Leading the Starbucks Way"

"Michelli shows us how a small Seattle-based chain of coffee shops became one of the most beloved brands on the planet. So grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and read this book "
Ken Blanchard, coauthor of "The One Minute Manager"(R) and "Leading at a Higher Level"

"Culture is everything This fast-moving, fascinating book gives you countless practical ideas you can use immediately to create a company climate of inspiration and loyalty."
Brian Tracy, author of "Full Engagement"

"Michelli identifies the principles by which Howard Schultz and his team passionately perform in a culture that loves, respects, and rewards suppliers, employees, customers, shareholders, and the community."
Robert Spector, author of "The Nordstrom Way"

""Leading the Starbucks Way" provides the key success factors of a lifestyle brand that is globally scaled, locally relevant, and powered by the passion of the Starbucks culture."
John Timmerman, PhD, Senior Strategist of Customer Experience and Innovation, Gallup

"Organizational consultant Michelli serves up a new helping of the recipe for business success he offered in "The Starbucks Experience.""
"Kirkus Reviews"

"You can energize your people and delight your customers by modeling the fabulous ideas that come from the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market." -- Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager In this revealing business advice book, the magic of the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market proves a dynamic example of what a group of people can create when they are aligned and living a powerful vision. Here for the first time, owner John Yokoyama explains in his own words just how he transformed his business into a workplace that is renowned worldwide. When Fish Fly offers Yokoyama's cohesive strategy for achieving world famous results for owners, managers, and front-line workers alike. Once you understand the generative principles behind the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market you, too, can develop a culture that leads to excellent employee morale and legendary customer service.

An unprecedented inside look at how Airbnb and its host community create dynamic customer experiences and build brand loyalty in the sharing economy Airbnb best embody the entrepreneurial and disruptive spirit of today's sharing economy. Since its early days as a humble start-up, Airbnb has evolved into a revolutionary force in the short-term housing market as a platform where hosts provide listings spread across more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries. Airbnb's leadership strives to support the host community to ensure a consistent, on-brand experience for every guest, every time. The Airbnb Way delivers proven methods for increasing customer engagement, loyalty, and referrals that can be utilized in every service setting and in any industry. Exclusive interviews with Airbnb leaders and rich stories from hosts and guests provide an inside look into the wildly popular online rental platform. The book features: *Airbnb strategies and practices that will drive customer engagement and loyalty *Expert advice on how to provide phenomenal customer service *Illuminating stories about Airbnb guest and host experiences*Unique leadership principles for activating all stakeholders--including those who share resources and services and more

A firsthand look at how Mercedes-Benz transformed itself into a best-in-class, customer-obsessed organization. Driven to Delight offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at CEO Steve Cannon and his leadership team's ambitious, multi-pronged strategy to elevate the company's customer experience to best-in-class across all brands and industries. The author reveals how leaders within the organization drove the transformation of the operational and cultural environments at Mercedes-Benz through their strategic vision, Driven to Delight. Nowhere else can you find this in-depth, all-access look at senior leadership's vision, strategy, and tactical steps to create and sustain the wide-sweeping actions needed to deliver a customer experience that lives up to the company's brand promise, "the best or nothing."

THE #1 "NEW YORK TIMES" AND "WALL STREET JOURNAL" BESTSELLER

"Like any business, a hospital must be true to its core values in order to succeed. 'Trickle-down values' start at the top with the best leadership, so that all the stakeholders understand and carry out the institution's mission. That is the gift that David F einberg has brought to U CLA. I am in awe of his management skills."
--Lynda Resnick, owner of Pom Wonderful, Fiji Water, Teleflora, and Wonderful Pistachios

"With clear purpose, unwavering principles, and steadfast leadership, the people at UCLA have established a new bar, a compelling promise, for what healthcare can and should be."
--David M. Lawrence, M.D., former CEO, Kaiser Permanente

"An absorbing and educational account of a large institution's astonishing transformation. The strong, courageous, and focused leadership of David Feinberg and his outstanding team is evident on every page. A tremendous lesson for all large enterprises."
--William E. Simon, Jr., cochairman, William E. Simon & Sons

"Most leadership authors describe how to apply common-sense principles. Michelli is a notable exception. He artfully describes the compelling, uncommon leadership practices that transformed UCLA Health System. The resulting lessons are plentiful and powerful for today's business leader."
--Lee J. Colan, Ph.D., author of "Sticking to It: The Art of Adherence"

About the Book:

Joseph Michelli, author of "The Starbucks Experience" and "The New Gold Standard," is among the world's top authorities on the principles of creating an organizational culture dedicated to service excellence. In these bestselling books, he examines how leading service companies dominate their respective industries with innovative customerexperience strategies.

Now, Michelli turns his attention to one of the most complex, controversial, and critical industries--healthcare.

In "Prescription for Excellence," Michelli provides an inside look at an organization that has become the envy of its industry--and explains how you can dominate your own industry by using the same approach.

UCLA Health System is revered worldwide for its top-tier patient/customer care. Great physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff are only part of the equation; UCLA's overall success is a result of organization-wide collaboration that is driven by leaders with a shared vision of unyielding excellence. Michelli breaks down UCLA's approach into five simple principles: Commit to Care Leave No Room for Error Make the Best Better Create the Future Service Serves Us

From administrative offices to operating rooms to research centers, continued adherence to these five principles has guided UCLA to financial strength, social significance, and sustainability.

The best part is that these principles translate to any industry, so you, too, can achieve similar goals. Michelli gives you the tools to adapt UCLA's ideas, systems, and leadership principles into your own best practices. Whether it is a healthcare organization, a financial institution, or a neighborhood hair salon, good business begins and ends with customer connection. When all workers in an organization focus on providing quality care for those they serve, success inevitably follows.

Business is always personal; UCLA's leadership ensures that this simple truth drives every UCLA employee, every day. Apply the lessons Michelli spells out in "Prescription for Excellence" to create a system that ensures that your people take business personally, day in and day out.

Make every day a WOW day for your customers, your staff--and your bottom line

"In your hands is a manifesto on how Zappos completely blew away the standard of delivering a consumer-centric experience and a revolutionary company culture. Joseph helps us all understand how to achieve a little more of that Zappos magic."
--Eric Ryan, method cofounder and person against dirty

"If you're looking for an inspirational path for creating a likable, trustworthy, and wow organization, you've hit the mother lode."
--Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple and author of "Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions"

"This book provides a roadmap to a successful business by taking inspiration and examples from one of the most innovative, progressive companies of our time. Don't just read it; use it."
--Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder and author of "HAWK --Occupation: Skateboarder and How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO"

"Thanks to Joseph Michelli, you can learn exactly how Zappos hit it big and how you can too. By using the five principles Joseph has distilled, you can supercharge your efforts and start down the path to legendary success."
--Mark Sanborn, President, Sanborn & Associates, Inc., and author of "The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader"

"Often, business owners look at media darlings like Zappos with their mouths agape, full of awe but unable to take action. For those eager to do more than watch, Joseph Michelli deconstructs the Zappos story and makes it attainable."
--Seth Godin, author of "Poke the Box"

About the Book:

ZAPPOS. The name has come to stand for a new standard of customer service, an amazing online shopping experience, a great place to work, and the most impressive transformational business success story of our time. Simply put, Zappos is revolutionizing business and changing lives.

Now, Joseph Michelli, author of the internationally bestselling business books "Prescription for Excellence" and "The Starbucks Experience," explains how Zappos does it--and how you can do it in your industry.

"The Zappos Experience" takes you through--and beyond--the playful, offbeat company culture Zappos has become famous for. Michelli reveals what occurs behind the scenes at Zappos, showing how employees at all levels operate on a day-today basis while providing the "big picture" leadership methods that have earned the company $1 billion in annual gross sales during the last ten years--with almost no advertising. Michelli breaks the approach down into five key elements: Serve a Perfect Fit--create bedrock company values Make it Effortlessly Swift--deliver a customer experience with ease Step into the Personal--connect with customers authentically S T R E T C H--grow people and products Play to Win--play hard, work harder

When you enhance the customer experience, increase employee engagement, and create an energetic culture, you can't help but succeed. Zappos has woven these five key components into a seamless strategy that's the envy of business leaders.

Now that strategy is yours.

With "The Zappos Experience," Joseph Michelli delivers a package for instant success right to your doorstep. All you have to do is open and use it.