Select a company that you believe uses its employees to achieve a competitive advantage. Discuss how the employees effectively execute the strategy and how the company can sustain this position over time.

Mat 540 week 8 discussion 1 and 2

Starbucks is a company that uses its employees to achieve a competitive advantage. The company has invested heavily in providing training and collaborative learning opportunities for staff members in order to equip them with the necessary tools required for success. Through this, Starbucks provides its team members with the skills needed to not only provide consistently high-quality products but also create exceptional customer experiences.

In addition to focusing on product excellence, Starbucks also emphasizes building strong relationships between employees and customers by encouraging open dialogue and face-to-face interaction. Through these efforts, they have been able to develop an environment of trust which has allowed them to take risks and innovate more freely over time.

To ensure their competitive edge remains intact, Starbucks must continue investing in employee development while creating policies that promote collaboration and idea sharing throughout the organization. Additionally, they must strive to stay ahead of trends so as not to fall behind competitors who may be introducing new ideas or services into their respective markets. Finally, they should aim at fostering an atmosphere where mistakes can be openly discussed without fear of punishment; this will help facilitate continuous improvement initiatives moving forward which will help maintain their position as industry leaders over time.