"How Starbucks Saved My Life - A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else" by Michael Gates Gill, Gotham Books, $23. At 63, the author lost all that he thought was important to him - family, job and health. A divorce, a downsizing and a brain tumor changed his life forever. His story of what happened next explores his past, present and future with candor. Mr. Gill reveals "Aha Moments" and pulls no punches about his missteps.

This Yale graduate and former creative director of one of the world's largest ad agencies now serves lattes at a Starbucks in NYC. He loves his job and his new life. How did he get there? Coincidence met opportunity when he was at the Starbucks sipping a latte and thinking about his change of fortune. The young woman at the next table said: "Would you like a job?" The store was in the middle of a hiring event; the woman was a store manager. He writes: "For one of the few times in my life, I could not think of a polite lie or any answer but the truth. 'Yes', I said without thinking. 'I would like a job." It turned out the manager was just joking with this guy in the Brooks Brothers suit - but not for long.

The former advertising executive became a barista - initially, in his eyes "a waiter with a fancy title". His view changed quickly. His training coach taught training by sharing. They worked side-by-side for a few weeks. He got stern lessons in customer service when he denied a homeless person the use of the bathroom. The manager came down hard: "EVERYONE is a guest." He also learned that being polite wasn't the same as treating people with respect: Coworkers were partners; just being polite wasn't showing them that you appreciated them for the work they did and their partnership.

Despite becoming an author, Mr. Gill still works full-time at Starbucks. It's not that he can't afford to give up the job; he doesn't want to. Mr. Gill isn't living life like everyone else - he lives life to its fullest every day.

"Fired Up or Burned Out - How to Reignite Your Team's Passion, Creativity and Productivity" by Michael Lee Stallard et al, Thomas Nelson, $23.99. Teamwork plateaus because of disconnects in trust, cooperation and team sprit. It doesn't happen all at once, so it's surprising that managers don't see the signs - the biggest of which is the way they lead their team. Most are "unintentional disconnectors". Teams require consistent direction and feedback. When a manager's blind spots get in the way, his/her actions don't walk the talk. The team members begin disconnecting.

Mr. Stallard's Character-Connection-Thrive chain clearly links aspects of character to three areas of connection - Vision, Human Value and Voice. Vision takes its cue from purpose, optimism, enthusiasm and appreciation for a job well done. Employees are inspired by someone who has vision.

Managers show Human Value through fairness, understanding that mistakes will be made and can be fixed and a genuine appreciation of the varied talents each team member has. Employees will go the extra mile for managers who really believe that they are the organizations most valuable asset.

Voice involves knowledge flow. Managers can't afford to remain in their comfort zone. They must be open-minded about feedback by thinking of it as feedforward. They must be curious. Sharing what they know and encouraging other to ensures everyone is heard and everyone learns.

Connected teams thrive. The manager is the connector.