In leadership; a team’s growth is reliant upon your level of hospitality. To do what we do each day, mentorship is essential. Having a blend of support, guidance, understanding and being challenged helps to mold us.
Recently, I had the privilege to sit down with some of our industry’s leaders, as well as members of my own team, in an intimate, candid session. We discussed relationships, leadership, impact, and personal growth, which left me reflecting on one crucial question: How can I be a better leader for my teams?
The mission in leadership & hospitality is about more than personal success; it’s about raising others up and sharing what we learn. With that in mind, here are three areas that can hopefully elevate both you and your team: Practicing Humility, Slowing Down to Speed Up, and Creating Clarity in Message.
1. Practicing Humility
Listen More Than You Speak: In your business, understanding your team and guests alike is essential. Aim to listen without planning your response; this active listening demonstrates respect and helps you grasp others’ needs more fully.
Ask for Feedback: Regularly ask your team for feedback, not only on projects but also on your leadership style. This openness or vulnerability shows that you value their insights and are committed to personal growth.
Celebrate Others’ Contributions: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of your team. When you shift the spotlight to others, you develop a team-centered environment that solidifies loyalty and may improve motivation.
2. Slow Down to Speed Up
Prioritize Planning: Taking time to clearly set objectives and delegate tasks at the start can prevent issues from arising later on. A well-planned team is a faster-moving team. Use a team “pit-stop” to give direction and double check everyone is equipped.
Take Measured Pauses: Encourage short pauses in meetings or during decision-making moments. Pausing for just a few seconds allows everyone to gather their thoughts, leading to more confident and well-considered actions. Not everyone loves meetings, but if you break up the content, the message may be clearer.
Define Tasks or Benchmarks: Break down larger goals/tasks into manageable, clear actionable items. For example, in a restaurant: let’s aim to have XYZ stocked and organized by 3pm, tables or the stage set and immaculate by 4pm, and all associates briefed on crucial tasks, information and service priorities by 4:30pm. A more focused, slower, and steady approach can keep any project on track. It can also speed up results in the end run.
3. Creating Clarity in Message
Use Simple Language: Avoid excessive jargon or industry-specific terminology that might confuse new associates, higher ups or even your clients/guests. Efficient, simple communication ensures everyone understands your message the first time. The busier someone is, the less time they have to hear someone else ‘yammer on’ with un-needed filler. Clear. Simple. Stated.
Focus on Core Points: Keep messages concise, focusing on one or two main points to avoid information overload. This clarity helps your team focus on key actions and priorities. This is a great takeaway when you gather for team briefs, morning action items, afternoon pit-stops, etc.
Ask for a Summary: After explaining a task or policy, try asking the team members to summarize the main points back to you. This reinforces clarity and ensures everyone potentially leaves the conversation with less need for excessive follow-up.
By integrating these practices into your leadership approach, you’ll create a culture that also values humility, precision, and efficiency. And in an industry where guest experience and teamwork are everything, these qualities can make all the difference.
Take a moment today to evaluate where you can bring more humility, pace, and clarity into your role. Whether it’s a small pause, a clear conversation, or a moment of associate acknowledgment, every step toward better leadership builds a stronger, more cohesive team. Adjusting by just 1 degree difference makes an impact. (Non Affiliate link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8I1NvpV7YM)
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