What if Leadership Was a Form of Hospitality?

I just can’t stop reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

I’m telling everyone who will listen about it. (BTW it's not new!)

Guidara’s premise is simple but incredibly powerful: any business can choose to be in the hospitality business. It’s not about restaurants. It’s about how we make people feel. What they create for the customer experience is mind-blowing, but what has gripped me - is the way he treats his team.

And it got me thinking about something very close to home.

Aotearoa already has a word for this: Manaakitanga.

The idea of caring for others, showing generosity, respect and hospitality. Creating an environment where people feel welcomed, valued and looked after.

Imagine if we brought more of that into leadership.

Not just hospitality towards our customers.

Hospitality towards our people.

What if leaders asked:

• Do my people feel genuinely welcomed here?

• Do they feel seen and valued?

• Do I notice what matters to them?

• Do I make it easy for people to ask for help?

• Do I create moments that make people feel they belong?

• Am I giving people something they didn’t expect?

  
  

Because great leadership isn't simply about getting the job done.

It is about creating an environment where people want to do the job.

Where people feel trusted.

Where they feel they matter.

Where they know someone has their back.

What would change in your workplace if hospitality became a leadership responsibility?

I’m still reading… and I suspect I’ll be talking about this book for quite some time!