InnFocus Summer 2023

Frustrated. Burnt Out. Shattered.
These are just a few of the things that leaders are feeling acutely in
the hospitality industry.
The other day I was speaking with a manager who said, “Oh I love
my job, but I would love it more if I had a strong team.” After a laugh, I
felt the weariness behind her words. This leader was truly exhausted.
It got me thinking—how can we provide support for our hospitality
leaders so they can attract and retain vibrant, enthusiastic, inspired
humans to work hard and still come back the next day?
Leadership in the hospitality industry is not for the faint of heart. But
we also know that it can be exceptionally rewarding. It is a fast-paced,
constantly evolving environment that requires investing in effective
leadership to ensure success. It is time to go back to leadership
fundamentals.
Traits of Effective Leaders
Whether you are a manager of a restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality
establishment, the ability to lead effectively is essential to achieving both
the goals of the organization and personal fulfilment.
But where do we start?
Believe it or not, effective leadership starts with YOU! Though you may
be responsible for a team, it all starts here. You are the foundation upon
which all other leadership skills are built. It is imperative for leaders to
take care of themselves first, so they can effectively lead others.
Lead by Example: Be the kind of leader that others want to follow.
So, lead by example and model the behaviours and values that you
expect from a healthy, functional team.
Own Your Stuff: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
This will earn you the respect of your team and show them that you are
committed—both to the organization and to the team.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Clear and measurable goals
for yourself and your team will help you all stay focused on what is most
important and ensure that everyone feels valued and can go forth with
purpose.
Create a Culture of Curiosity: The hospitality industry is con-stantly
evolving, and while it is important for leaders to stay up to date on the
latest trends and best practices, sometimes it’s as easy as asking more
questions than providing answers.
Improving Interpersonal Interactions
After we get our own personal ducks in order, we turn our attention to
our team. Interacting with people is a critical part of leadership. Whether
with guests or your team, effective interpersonal interaction is essential
to success (and it’s way more satisfying).
Build Personal Connections: Take the time to get to know people
on a personal level to build trust and respect. Building strong relationships
with your team enables you to know what makes them tick and
what lights them up, which allows you to really play to their strengths.
InnFocus 7