Looking to move up in the hospitality and tourism management industry? Are you open to learning and challenging yourself with new ideas? Do you have the leadership skills to make a difference?

Becoming a strong leader is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your unique value and dedication as a professional in this dynamic field.

While certain individuals appear to be born leaders, most people need to develop and nurture leadership skills throughout their careers.

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 seek out new opportunities. Whether they are working toward a manager’s position or they’re starting a new career from scratch, entrepreneurs have a clear vision of the future they want.

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, to keep growing and improving, leaders in hospitality and tourism management must be passionate about what they do each day. Passion takes the form of energy, excitement, kindness, and other characteristics that will make a difference for 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 Ohio Business College, you can take your career further in this highly competitive, fast-paced industry.

OBC’s Business Administration: Marketing and Tourism associate degree gives you a head start into this exciting career field with the necessary leadership skills, knowledge, and hands-on expertise employers look for. Learn more about OBC’s associate degree in marketing and tourism.

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Sources:

^1–2 BusinessNewsDaily.com. “3 Important Things to Teach Your Future Leaders.” Accessed July 17, 2017. http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5818-leadership-training.html.