Anomalies

Each one had is own unique character, but here was one common thread: the camaraderie between the customers, who knew each other well, and the barista, who was performing with flair."

An anomaly is a fact that doesn't fit received wisdom.  To a certain kid of mind, an anomaly is an annoying blemish on the perfect skin of explanation.  But to others, an anomaly marks an opportunity to learn something, perhaps something very valuable.

In 1983, Howard Schultz noticed an anomaly and from that insight a fascinating new business was eventually born.  At that time, Schultz was the marketing and retails operations manager for a tiny chain of Seattle stores selling dark-roasted coffee beans.  On a visit to Italy, Schultz discovered the Italian expresso experience.  He recalled his first vista to an expression bar in Milan:

"A tall thin man greeted me cheerfully, "Buon giorno!" as he pressed down on a metal bar and a huge hiss of steam escaped.  He handed a tiny porcelain demitasse of espresso to one of  the three people who were standing elbow to elbow at the counter.   Next came a handcrafted cappuccino, topped with a head of perfect white foam.  The barista moved so gracefully that it looked as though he were grinding coffee beans, pulling shots of expresso, and steaming milk all at the same time, all while conversing merrily with his customers.  It was great theater...

It was on that day I discovered the ritual and romance of coffee bars in Italy.  I saw how popular they were, and how vibrant.  Each one had is own unique character, but here was one common thread: the camaraderie between the customers, who knew each other well, and the barista, who was performing with flair."

ACTION POINT:  Learn from anomalies and look for the opportunities in them.