“Today's workforce is different. We need to evolve how we lead.”

Who typically gets promoted in the organization? It’s usually the people who have the greatest expertise in a particular job function. But do they always make the best people leaders? 

This is the classic management and leadership conundrum. And it’s no different in hospitality—if you’re going to be a people leader, you’ve got to understand the people you’re leading. You’ve got to keep up with the times.  The traditional concept of leadership in the hospitality industry, once characterized by strict regulations and inflexible expectations, needs to evolve in response to a changing world.

Today’s workforce is not the same one I entered decades ago; it differs in ways my generation never considered. They’re upfront about their boundaries and care deeply about doing meaningful work—not just clocking hours. They prioritize work-life balance and value their personal time. 

This may read as entitlement, but it isn’t. It’s evolution. If we don't adjust both policies and mindset, we risk becoming the type of leader people leave for greener pastures.

So, what’s the antidote? Authenticity. 

It starts with understanding that being brilliant at your craft doesn’t automatically make you a great people leader. Knowing how to dissect a STR report or minimize OTA contributions doesn’t prepare you to handle the complexities of team dynamics, career growth conversations, or even occasional conflict.

I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m not an expert in every CRS, RMS, or brand standard out there. Instead, I empower and support my teams through coaching and helping them grow, not micromanaging them. That is servant leadership. It’s not a buzzword. It’s foundational to how we build teams that stick around.

At the end of the day, leadership in hospitality isn’t just about boosting revenue or nailing KPIs. It’s about creating an environment where people want to show up every day—where they feel valued, inspired, and part of something bigger. Because when your team thrives, your hotel thrives. And no spreadsheet can fully capture the impact of that.