All Managers are Leaders in some way, whether by helping Hotel Guests enjoy their time at the Hotel or by serving as a mentor and role model for less experienced staff. But how can you strengthen the skills that will place you in a
Leadership position?
Continuously expand your knowledge
Broad knowledge that can be used to generate ideas and solutions is key to the vision, innovation and critical thinking of great hospitality leaders. It is essential to stay up to date with developments in your area of expertise while also broadening your knowledge across a wide range of topics related to the world around you. Never stop learning and growing.
Work on your strengths and weaknesses
One of the characteristics of leadership in Hospitality is a high level of self-awareness: knowing which areas you are strong in and where your weaknesses lie. Self-reflection will help you identify the strengths you can use to your advantage, as well as the weaknesses you can consciously work on to improve.
Be positive and enthusiastic
Leaders are passionate about their work and, if their plans are not successful at first, they will try again: their positive attitude draws people in and their passion becomes contagious. Try to be the role model you would follow if you were one of your subordinates. Be enthusiastic about your work, with a can-do attitude even in difficult situations.
Uphold your morals and values
In a hotel, the team follows those they perceive to have a high level of integrity and authenticity—people they can believe in. Live by your morals and values, carry out your work to the highest possible professional standards, be honest in all things, honour the commitments and promises you make, and accept
personal responsibility when you make a mistake.
Develop excellent communication skills
Leadership is very clearly linked to being a good communicator. You cannot achieve your goals of motivating, guiding, influencing and persuading others without communicating well and creating genuine personal connections.
Develop your skills in both
verbal and written
communication, and never forget that
communication flows in two directions. Remember that an important part of communication is listening—really listening to what the other person is saying.
Want to Do It and Believe You Can
Perhaps the most important of all, because the first step towards becoming a Leader is being convinced that you can do it and trusting in your own abilities to develop as one.
Ultimately, strong leadership is a priority for General Managers and Department Heads in the hospitality industry. It is never too early or too late to start developing these leadership skills. These skills can be learned and
developed, contrary to the popular belief that leaders are born, not made.
