A famous quote says, ‘Set the standard, then exceed it. That’s leadership.’ And there is nothing as accurate as this, especially for a business owner like you.
So, how do you set the standard? How do you lead?
If you search on Google for leadership skills, you will find numerous bullet points and strategies. They are generic, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Hospitality is a demanding domain. The constant need to compete and prove brilliance keeps us on edge. A true leader knows when to step back and when to strike.
Improving team balance and maintaining professionalism are great tips; they work. In this article, let us discuss something better: a different approach designed for business growth.
Why Leadership Matters in Hospitality?
Regardless of your role, whether a business manager or C-suite personnel, leadership goes beyond offering the best services. A true leader leads the team towards an objective-oriented path and business success.
Their zeal to lead elevates the organisation’s business processes to the highest levels. They inspire others to perform better and thrive as a workforce.
Take a restaurant business, for instance. Every business owner waits for the peak season. There is constant demand, higher customer turnover and higher staff levels. Demand is mainly driven by the season or specific to holidays.
While this marks exceptional business times, leadership has a crucial role.
A poised leader knows when not to panic. Countless renowned businesses have faltered during the peak months due to a lack of processes and streamlining.
The aim is to maintain the service quality despite running the processes at double to triple the speed. There is a greater need for staff, more food orders, and more cleaning—every demand must be resolved with careful attention and composure.
A leader is affluent with these opportunities. They can effortlessly align with evolving demands and market expectations while delivering the best.
What Qualities Should You Possess to Lead?
While becoming an exceptional leader in the hospitality industry requires practice, it all comes to the behaviour basics.
First and foremost, a leader is meant to lead a team. And there is no ‘I’ in a team. So, when planning to become a great leader for your business, start by –
Embracing Calm and Composure
Nothing has ever been solved with chaos; a little calm allows your brain to process. Are room booking issues increasing? Is something wrong with the inventory management system? Are sales not looking very bright?
Each requires a firm strategic solution that is tackled with calm and composure. Strategies target and solve specific business concerns and steer the business towards success.
A leader must understand when the business needs a fresh strategy. Furthermore, through strategic planning, they help in brand growth and lead by example.
Effective Communication is Supreme
An exceptional leader is open to communication, which is true in every industry. Here’s how it changes the ballgame, especially in hospitality.
As a leader or a business decision-maker, it is difficult to identify the minor concerns that create business bottlenecks. For instance, your luxury banquets have a slow turnover. The rooms are never prepared to welcome guests, and delays often occur. While the delay can be minutes, the overall aspect is detrimental to success.
This is a minor problem and difficult for a leader to recognise. However, the staffs are aware of these concerns. Communicating effectively with the entire team is a productive path to learning about these struggles.
A prominent leader is approachable regardless of success. They are always available to the team members and ready to alleviate any struggles they might face while running the business.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
When you lead by example, you distinctly set a standard. Setting the tone is a powerful tool in hospitality.
No matter the time of day, remain professional. Say you are the owner of the place. However, that should not stop you from being punctual, respecting people and being aware of the business processes.
Furthermore, when you stay committed to your role, you teach your followers to do the same. The overall measures contribute to business success, elevated guest experience and sales.
So, a leader sets an example for the rest to follow. That is where business success lies.
Having Clear Expectations
Forget the hierarchy and the definitions of the roles—what do you expect to perform as a leader, and what do you expect the staff to deliver?
The key to success clearly understands the business processes, objectives, and team dynamics. Goals are well met when there is a clear path and a list of deliverables.
Similarly, when the expectations are clearly stated for your team, you create a high-functional and active staff. For instance, you expect a complete inventory report on the first of the week. This is a simple instruction; however, it plays a crucial role in stock and loss management.
When you have a clear idea of what you are willing to deliver, you stand as a confident leader, someone they will inherently follow. So, start by asking yourself the ideal business question to have a functional plan and deliverables.
Discovering the Secret of the Top Leaders in Hospitality
Leaders take various forms and tend to change with the domain. However, the growth mindset perseveres.
A True leader influences their peers, lead the way, and boost morale to keep the business running towards success. The idea is to start practising the ideal measures and always be willing to learn.
If you seek professional help, consult Sixth Sense Consulting, a pioneer in helping hospitality businesses embrace long-term success through fortified strategies. Contact our hospitality consultants today!
