RRU Pocket Class: What can hotels teach us about leadership?

Hotels offer guests the chance to explore new places, rest and recharge, and enjoy seamless service that turns a stay into an experience.

But beyond the obvious services they provide, they offer something more, too, says Assist. Prof. Moira McDonald — lessons on leadership.

“Under one roof, you’ll find an orchestra of leaders. Housekeepers, concierges, chefs, receptionists — each playing a vital role,” says McDonald who is program head for both the Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management and Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management.

“Every player contributes to the harmony. If one person is out of tune, you notice,” McDonald says, who has 20 years of senior leadership experience in the luxury brand sector of the hotel industry. 

For those who are just starting their leadership journey, McDonald says they probably have more skills under their belt than they think. And they can easily build on those by taking note of the leaders around them.

“Find someone you admire and watch how they handle challenges,” she says. Take those lessons. Learn from different people. And compose your own leadership style.”

 

 

 

 

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Ready to unlock your leadership potential? Learn more about our MA in Tourism Management, BA in Global Tourism Management and Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management.