Here's how you can boost your team leadership in the hospitality field through confidence.

I have found the only effective way to build trust is for the appreciation and recognition to be authentic. Any team I have managed knows instantly if any praise is manufactured. Sometimes we enter hard times and it is difficult to find kind words from the heart. In these times your actions will speak for you. And in your attempts to lift any individuals performance and raise the bar you will will find the humility and gratitude needed for authentic appreciation.

To build trust with people you have to be genuine, honest, and polite at all times. People have to know you as an honest and completely trust worthy person. If you give your word, always keep it. Further more open communication is always key. Always be humble and listen to others.

The thing that has helped me develop trust and integrity with my teams is to simply be a part of the team. When the team needs help, jump in and help. My teams know I'm always willing to roll up my sleeves and get it done. Another simple thing is to develop something I call "kitchen vision", to be able to see things that the team doesn't. They know I'm always looking for things that can be done better made cleaner, processes that can be more efficient. When the team knows I'm seeing and bringing improvements to their attention, they start to look for them. Finally is simply to be available to staff. Mentor, listen, share experience, offer advice.

One thing I found to be true is to know what you are talking about when addressing your staff. People can tell when you’re not being genuine.

Recently I have read that we do not rise to level of our goals but fall to the level of our systems. Goals have always been a key component for any advancement, in any arena. However, 32 teams have “Win the Super Bowl” as there goal every year. It is the teams with the most high level contributors invested in a system they trust that find themselves with an opportunity at the end of the season to make winning the Super Bowl a reality. You customers will appreciate your hospitality efforts but will eventually gravitate to the system that can deliver. We have to invest in the systems to make our goals achievable.

To have goals there must be organization. Always set goals to get to the solution and never quit until you're there. I like to put my goals in writing so I can constantly remind myself along the way. Always moving higher to achieve success.

Staying calm and working through issues that are sometimes self inflicted by team members can be trying. It is in these times I try to remind myself that is my strengths that have put me in the position of the closer, the fixer or the decision maker. Most decisions we make are not just for this case but are also the road map on how to handle these situations in the future. No one has achieved perfection. However, I want to be on the team that strives to be the first to achieve perfection.

As an HR executive in the hospitality industry, I've seen firsthand how confidence can transform team leadership. One memorable experience was when a new manager joined our hotel. Despite being skilled, he lacked confidence in his communication. We encouraged him to speak up in meetings and engage with his team openly. Gradually, his confidence grew, and so did his leadership. Clear communication became his forte, boosting team morale and productivity. Remember, confidence in communication is the key to inspiring your team in hospitality.

When surveyed, the need for autonomy always ranks high across all roles, but often it means different things to different people especially with respect to the amount of freedom granted. Most team members are able to thrive when they have clear instructions and guardrails for their on authority when it comes to making real-time decisions. Respectful coaching empowers team members by letting them know that you care about their success enough to correct them along the long the way rather than harping on their error in the form of a harsh reprimand. Don't forget that listening is a part of being an effective coach, which includes understanding where your reports are on the knowledge and confidence spectrum.

When I first stepped into a leadership role in hospitality, I was riddled with self-doubt. But I soon learned that by empowering my team, I not only boosted their confidence but also mine. Encouraging open communication, recognizing their strengths, and providing opportunities for growth were game-changers. When your team feels valued and capable, they'll go above and beyond, and that's the true essence of leadership in hospitality.

In the whirlwind world of hospitality, stress can be a constant companion. One strategy I've found effective is to lead by example. I remember a particularly hectic evening during a major event at our hotel. Instead of succumbing to stress, I remained calm and composed. My team noticed and followed suit, resulting in smoother operations and happier guests. Confidence in the face of stress can be contagious and can boost team morale and performance.