Reap the rewards of inspirational leadership...

I think the most important role of a leader is to inspire people. People who have hopes and dreams: be aware and help them achieve them. People who want to learn more: be a coach and mentor and encourage them to be a life-long learner. People who want to do more: ask what would make their job more fulfilling and find ways to allow them to do those things. People who want to become more: discuss their career aspirations and help them achieve them. These are the things that inspire employees. The things that servant leaders do, focusing first and foremost on their employees – you’ll be surprised how much more you get out of employees when you put them first. It’ll pay dividends: they’ll be more engaged and focused, have greater productivity, near or perfect attendance, longer tenure, and be more committed and loyal to your organization. They’ll be role models, inspiring others, and lifting the morale and work of their co-workers. And won’t take up your time with frivolous efforts and drama. That’s the real payoff from acting with this kind of professionalism. If your actions do all that, you’ll be a very effective leader today.

 

John Quincy Adams (1767 – 1848): American politician who was the sixth president of the United States, the eighth United States secretary of state, an ambassador, and a member of the United States Congress representing Massachusetts in both chambers.

Learn more about his public service: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quincy_Adams

Let your professionalism show...

My frame of reference for this message focuses on professionals who serve as supervisors, managers, and directors in the hospitality business. And their professionalism. This hierarchy of mid-level management is both customer and employee facing – where, you might say, the rubber meets the road in the pursuit of service excellence. They’re professionals… living the part every day where they must use their head handling their job duties and responsibilities, and their heart when handling others. When handling customers: representing everything the company offers in goods and services; when handling employees: representing the company’s direction, culture and values. Navigating and negotiating between the two for their corporate bosses. It’s the sweet spot in hospitality – lots of responsibilities best served by soft skills and emotional intelligence; and lots of latitude if they’re willing to work hard, act responsibly, be model corporate citizens. They keep the lights on and the trains running on time – the best of them think and act like they own the place. I’ve worked in manufacturing and hospitality and as much as I loved the first, the second ultimately grew on me more… being in the service business can do that to you. Find something you’d love to do and put all your curiosity and creativity into it. Master your craft and knowledge of your business. That’s what professionalism looks like. Be that kind of professional today.

 

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962): American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the longest serving First Lady, married to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Don't be afraid to envision something new...

As an HR professional, I was first and foremost a student of Human Resources practices and processes. I loved recruiting people and envisioned creative sources for applicants. I loved the whole recruiting process and envisioned ways to improve its efficiency through technology. I loved collective bargaining and negotiated landmark contracts. And I loved training – but it wasn’t until after I retired that I started to envision new and improved ways to provide training for managers and supervisors. Short courses, simple and direct, online videos that could be taken anywhere, anytime. That’s the part of leadership I loved the most – the part where you engage others in a vision to do creative new things that make a difference. I believe anyone can do things like this – wherever they work, whatever their job, they see things – big and small, that could and should be improved. Ask them, and if they’ve got a vision for that, support them. It’s one of the best ways to get them excited about and engaged in their work. And for the individual, it’s a great way to get re-energized in your work, to feel great about what you do, and to know that you can make a difference. To make it more than just a job. Don’t be shy about ideas and visions that can lead to positive change today.

 

Theodore Martin Hesburgh (1917 – 2015): American Catholic priest, educator, author, public servant, and social activist. He was president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years. 

Get everyone started on the right foot...

When leaders show up for work, the most important thing for them to do is gather their people and discuss what’s up for today. In the hospitality business, that’s called a huddle or pre-shift meeting and it helps set the tone for the rest of the day. Not that employees necessarily need it, but it puts them all on the same page, creating a sense of teamwork and togetherness, getting everyone started on the right foot, and making them all feel a part of what’s going on. I’ve often seen people dragging into these meetings, unfocused, needing their coffee, and generally trying to get it together… and when it’s done right, they all leave with a new-found bounce in their step. These are part informational – things everyone needs to know (or remember), part directional – letting everyone see what you’re going, and part inspirational – showing the way and making them feel good about it. It’s the most important part of a leader’s day, the part where the professional in them show’s not only who’s in charge but also how everyone else fits into the plan. Employees need that… so get that role straight in your head and be prepared to fill it today.

 

John Calvin Maxwell (born 1947): American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership.

Do the best you can...

People engage in a wide range of activities, from basic daily tasks like eating, and sleeping to complex pursuits like work, learning, socializing, creative expression, and leisure activities. These are all shaped by their individual needs, interests, and circumstances. That said, it often seems that nothing goes as planned nor is it ever easy. Yet there are things we can do to lighten the load of what feels like pushing a stone uphill. Things like collaboration – working with others to get things done together; innovation – looking for better ways to approach our challenges; problem-solving – measuring twice before making any cuts; communicating – speaking and listening equally; adapting – being flexible and learning as you go; being prepared – eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and keeping an open mind; and being kind and fair -  treating others the way you want them to treat you.  Stop playing the victim – we’re all in this together and need each other, so be reasonable in your expectations, lend a hand or comment when appropriate, and always be appreciative.  Whether playing a game, working a job, going to school, raising a family, living in a community, being creative, or navigating life – make the most of what you have today.

 

Vince Lombardi (1913 – 1970): American professional football coach considered by many to be among the greatest coaches and leaders in American sports.