Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
There is no denying how great it is to work in the hospitality industry. It’s fast-paced, every day presents new challenges, and you get the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. However, it is also impossible to deny that success in this industry can be difficult to achieve.
That’s why we say that success starts at the top: with senior management who oversee all aspects of their operations. Senior managers need to be great leaders; once they become great leaders, those positive qualities will trickle down through their staff and reach their guests or customers.
Great leaders need to exhibit some important characteristics if they want to make sure their hotel or restaurant succeeds.
They need to be flexible – the hospitality industry is constantly changing and is highly competitive. What works one day may not work the next. Successful managers will realize this and be prepared to shift their strategies to overcome obstacles. Part of being flexible involves having the courage to try new ideas and the patience to deal with complications and failures as well.
A great manager in the hospitality industry will be able to inspire their employees to share their dedication to the business and its clients. Employees will respect and follow a leader who communicates well with them, in an open and honest manner, and who does not hold themselves in higher regard than the people they manage. Managers need to be approachable for employees; not just for problems or issues with the job, but to hear suggestions and ideas for how improvements can be made as well. Employees will be more willing to dedicate themselves when they know their opinions are valued.
Successful managers are responsible. They are the first to accept blame and never shift it to employees. When there are victories or successes for the business, they are spread out among the employees.
Once a manager can demonstrate these qualities, they can begin developing their team to demonstrate them as well. A well-developed team will result in a well-run business. A well-run business will create happy guests and customers, which will, of course, lead to goals being reached and success across the board.
