4 Leadership Traits for Hospitality and Tourism Careers

Looking to move up in the hospitality and tourism management industry? Are you willing to experiment with new ideas and learn from them? Do you have the ability to lead and influence others?

One of the most effective ways to exhibit your unique value and passion as a professional in this dynamic sector is to become a strong leader.

While some people appear to be born leaders, the majority of people must acquire and nurture leadership qualities over the course of their lives.

Practice honing these 4 qualities to strengthen your leadership skills.

1. Adaptability 

Adaptable leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Individuals who can adjust to change possess great people skills and poise under pressure.

Flexible hospitality and tourism professionals are ready to tackle any task at hand, including responding to a weary traveler’s demands or completing a team checklist.

2. Team-Oriented 

Being a team player is an essential trait to develop as an individual in the hospitality and tourism industry. Team players work constructively with everyone in the business, from employees and coworkers to managers, customers, and guests. They create weekly schedules to staff the hotel or event, and they resolve conflicts between employees should they arise.

A team leader is a positive force all the time—when profits are high and when cash flow is tight. Knowing what strengths are essential to company performance helps team players make valuable use of time and resources. In fact, CEO of Zipline Logistics, Walter Lynch, told Business News Daily that leaders "need to be genuinely interested in growing the skills of others, not just in delegating tasks or managing processes."1

Likewise, when team members need reassurance, guidance or additional support, an exemplary team player is there to offer assistance, trust, and clear communication.

3. Entrepreneurial

Not every person with an entrepreneurial mindset is a business owner. Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes, and ranges of abilities. They have different strengths and weaknesses, but there are a few common ways most entrepreneurs think and act in order to become successful leaders.

First, entrepreneurs look for fresh opportunities. Entrepreneurs have a clear vision of the future they want, whether they are working toward a management position or establishing a new career from scratch.

Most importantly, entrepreneurs take ownership of outcomes. Good, bad, and everything in between—entrepreneurs step up to the plate when it comes to scheduling preventative maintenance on a property or resolving a shortage of housekeeping supplies.

4. Passionate

Finally, in order to continue growing and improving, executives in hospitality and tourist management must be enthusiastic about what they do every day. Passion manifests itself as energy, excitement, friendliness, and other qualities that will benefit both you and your guests or clients.

It’s important to remember it takes practice and commitment to become an effective leader. "Becoming a leader is a marathon and not a sprint. It takes time and effort to develop effective leadership skills,"2 Lynch says.

Choosing a career in hospitality and tourism is an excellent opportunity for business-minded leaders and customer-focused professionals to showcase their strengths. By starting your future at iGlobal Academy, you can take your career further in this highly competitive, fast-paced industry.