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Updated: Feb 2

Stage presence isn’t just about being professional; it’s about being intentional. It’s the way we carry ourselves to ensure every guest/client feels seen, valued, and cared for. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to model this behavior and inspire our teams to deliver an experience rooted in connection.

In business… especially a connection-driven industry, we don’t just serve/sell a desirable or delicious product—we create moments that connect. Every interaction, every detail, every word becomes part of a your client/guest’s story. And at the heart of that story is how we must show up. This is where stage presence comes in.

The Connection-Driven Perspective

Let’s shift our mindset: hospitality isn’t an industry or a transaction; it’s a relationship. Every client/guest who walks through our doors or answers your calls is placing their trust in us—not just to meet their needs, but to exceed their expectations. (Deliver +1)

But trust isn’t built on flawless execution alone. It’s built on the human moments:

• The way we greet someone with genuine warmth.

• The way we respond to a guest’s unspoken needs.

• The way we make every interaction feel personal and intentional.

As leaders, we are the architects of these moments. The way we show up, guide our teams, and connect with our guests sets the tone for the entire experience.

Stage Presence: A Leader’s Responsibility

Stage presence is about more than how your team carries themselves; it’s about how you lead. As a leader, your role is to coach, empower, and create a culture where connection is the foundation of every action.

Here’s how:

1. Model the Standard: Your team watches you more than you realize. Carry yourself with the same presence and professionalism you expect from them.

2. Coach Through Connection: Instead of just correcting behavior, inspire your team by tying every action back to its impact on the guest/client. Show them how professionalism and intentionality create trust.

3. Develop Consistency: Connection isn’t situational. Whether it’s a slow Monday night or a bustling Friday, the standard doesn’t change. Guide your team to deliver the same level of care in every moment.

A Story of Connection-Driven Leadership

I once coached an associate who was frustrated during a slow time. Their energy was low, and it showed. We talked briefly, and I reminded them: Every guest/client deserves our best, regardless of how many things (tables/guest) we have going on. I asked them to shift their perspective: What if this person is celebrating something important? What if this little moment is a big deal to them, even if it feels ordinary to you?

That simple reframing changed their approach. They ended the shift by connecting with a guest celebrating an anniversary, taking extra care to make the experience memorable. That same guest left a glowing review, citing their warmth and attentiveness as the highlight of their evening.

This is what connection-driven leadership is about—helping your team see the why behind their actions and inspiring them to deliver something meaningful.

Connection Is Built Through Presence

Here’s how you and your team can embrace connection-driven stage presence every day:

Lead with Awareness

• Connection-Driven success starts with being fully present. When we’re rushed, distracted, or disengaged, it shows. Take a breath, ground yourself, and refocus before every shift.

Speak with Purpose

• Words carry weight. What we say—whether in guest-facing areas or behind the scenes—shapes perceptions. Encourage your team to keep conversations client & guest-focused Are you aligned with the experience you desire?

Elevate Every Moment

• Train your team to see service/sales as an opportunity to connect. Simple actions like remembering a guest’s name or anticipating a need create lasting impressions.

Empower Authenticity

• Connection isn’t about perfection; it’s about being genuine. Let your team’s personalities shine while keeping the focus on professionalism and care; but they gotta do the work…

Why This Matters???

The most successful leaders aren’t just focused on metrics or efficiency—they’re focused on relationships. They understand that professionalism and connection go hand in hand.

Guests/clients don’t just remember what you sold them or served; they remember how they felt during & after. Did they feel seen? Did they feel valued? Did they feel like they mattered?

When your team embraces stage presence with connection in mind, those answers will always be yes.

A Call to Leaders

As a leader, your challenge is to create a space where connection is prioritized:

• Show your team how to find meaning in every guest interaction.

• Coach them to lead with professionalism, but also with heart.

• Remind them that while we can’t always control the circumstances, we can control how we show up.

When you lead through connection, you’ll see the ripple effect: engaged teams, loyal guests, and a culture of care that sets your establishment apart.

So, ask yourself this:

Are you leading in a way that inspires connection? Are you showing up in a way that makes your team and your guests feel valued?

If not, it’s time to realign. Let’s take this opportunity to do right, be great, and lead in a way that makes every moment matter.

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I’m not going to sit here and pretend I have all the answers when it comes to marriage. Relationships are hard. (Single folks, hang tight—this applies to you too. I promise there’s good content here.)

Here’s the truth: I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve learned that the principles we strive to live by in our work—growth, intentionality, and connection—are just as vital at home. After all, shouldn’t we aim to live our personal lives the same way we approach our professional ones? Better today than we were yesterday.

When I reflect on 10 years of marriage, I’m struck by how much time and change have shaped us… and how much growing I’m learning to do, and how incredible my wife’s become. It feels like a blink of an eye, so much has evolved. Over time, people, character, and needs change. And that’s a good thing. The person you started the journey with—whether it’s your spouse, your team, or even yourself—will not be the same person they are today. That’s not a failure; it’s growth. It’s beautiful, and it should be embraced.

The alternative? Stagnation or decline. Neither of those places are where I want to be—not in my marriage, not in my leadership, and not in my life. Growth, as natural as it is, takes work. So I keep asking myself: Am I willing to put in the work to grow together?

No matter the relationship, it’s easy to assume you know someone based on who they were when you first met—or in the case of leadership, when you first hired them. But relationships thrive on curiosity and connection. To truly build something that lasts, you have to keep learning who someone is in the now.

That’s why I believe in carving out the time to reconnect, whether it’s with your spouse over coffee or your team during a one-on-one. Life is too dynamic to rely on outdated assumptions. As a wise man once told me: “Assuming is the lowest form of knowing (someone).”

So, staying curiously connected; it’s essential for building trust, alignment, and relationships that last.

Key Takeaways for Growth

  1. Change is Natural—Embrace It: Growth is a sign of progress, not distance. Evolving as individuals strengthens relationships when we’re willing to adapt.

  2. Re-connection Builds Trust: Take time to understand where people are today—what drives them, what they need, and how they’ve grown.

  3. Intentional Effort is Non-Negotiable: Great relationships—whether in leadership or marriage—don’t happen by accident. They’re built through consistent effort and adaptability.

Steps for Growth in Leadership and Partnership

1. Create Time to Reconnect

  • In leadership: Schedule meaningful one-on-ones to uncover your team’s current challenges, goals, and motivations.

  • In marriage: Set aside regular moments to talk—not just about daily logistics, but about life, growth, and dreams.

2. Ask Thoughtful Questions

  • In leadership: What’s working for you? What’s challenging? Where do you want to grow next?

  • In marriage: What inspires you right now? How have your goals shifted? How can I support you better?

3. Celebrate Change and Growth

  • In leadership: Recognize and appreciate team members’ progress, no matter how small. Celebrate their wins and acknowledge their development.

  • In marriage: Reflect on how far you’ve come together. Celebrate milestones, both big and small, and express gratitude for your partner’s growth.

Looking Forward, Together

Marriage and leadership are both journeys of growth and commitment. They require effort, curiosity, and the courage to stay connected, even when it’s hard. When you invest in these relationships—with intention and openness—you build something that can truly stand the test of time.

So lean in. Make the time to [re]connect. Embrace the beauty of change and commit to growing with the people who matter most. Whether you’re leading a team or nurturing a partnership, invest in the journey together.

The best day’s yet are around the corner.


In leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of tasks, demands, and distractions. But the truth is, success doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the right things. “Where the eye goes, action must flow.” The matrix above is a powerful tool. It helps you prioritize. It allows you to reclaim control of your time and energy. I don’t recall where I found this image; but in my travels it’s certainly proven useful. I recently shared it with a fellow leader on my team, which sparked desire to share.

We practice living by strong principles daily. As a leader and coach in hospitality and the founder of Do Right Be Great, we embrace this approach. Principles like “Do it now” and “Deliver +1” prove to be helpful in our quest for success. However, we still have to lean into the value of strategy. Let’s break this image down, quadrant by quadrant. Let’s find out how it applies to leaders in hospitality, and those in any position needing clarity and results.

1. Do it Now (Urgent + Important)

This is where the fire is. These are your time-sensitive, high-priority tasks. Think of an unsettled guest waiting at the host stand or an associate needing immediate support to prevent a service failure. These moments require quick action and your #1 focus.

Your mindset here? Be proactive, not reactive. Handle it, handle it well, and then move on.

2. Schedule it (Not Urgent + Important)

This is where the magic of growth happens. This is sometimes a challenge for me… But, these are the tasks that build your future: training your team, strategizing for the next quarter, or crafting initiatives to enrich your workplace culture. They aren’t screaming for attention, but they’re the foundation of long-term success. Schedule these into your calendar and treat them like gold. Be sure to review your calendar daily, and often, as to not loose track.

3. Delegate it (Urgent + Not Important)

You don’t need to be a hero. Some tasks demand urgency but don’t require your unique expertise. Learning the difference between scheduling, and delegating… now that’s a Grade A skill set right there…

Maybe it’s sorting inventory, handling routine maintenance calls, or addressing minor guest or associate concerns. This is where you lean on your team. Delegating doesn’t mean you’re shirking responsibility—it means you trust your people. Like I say: “Drive it like you stole it, polish it like you own it” – yet the caveat is let others take the wheel when appropriate. 🙂

4. Delete it (Not Urgent + Not Important)

Yes, is the answer… most often… but you can [and should] say no.

Scrolling through emails that don’t matter, attending that one unnecessary meeting (better handled by someone else), or obsessing over small details that won’t move the needle—these are distractions.

Delete distractions. They dilute your focus and rob you of your potential. Let them go. You’ve got bigger things to tackle.

The DRBG Takeaway:

Leadership is about clarity, grit, and impact. Using this prioritization matrix, you can eliminate the overwhelm and focus on what truly matters—both for your associates and guests. Remember, great leaders aren’t just busy; they’re intentional.

So, as you navigate your day, ask yourself: What’s urgent? What’s important? And what’s not worth my time? The answers will guide you. But you gotta filter it… but don’t waste your time over thinking it either…

Prioritize like it matters—because it does.


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