I wrote my first book on communication and leadership about ten years ago. Howard Schultz was my first interview. In a two-hour phone conversation Schultz used the word “passion” dozens of times. I had an epiphany when I reviewed the transcript. Not once had he used “passion” and “coffee” in the same sentence. You see, Schultz likes coffee, but he’s passionate about “building a company that treats people with dignity and respect.” He said coffee is what Starbucks makes as a product, “but that’s not the business we’re in.” Ten years after my interview Schultz is still communicating the same message and using guiding principles to inspire his employees and excite his customers.