We talk a lot about leadership at Sixty Eight People. Partly because we hear the stories of hundreds of leaders every month, partly because we deliver training to leaders ourselves but also because we have great leaders in our own business and watch them at work.

My observations are that its quite a skill. Defined as the ability to influence or guide others – either individuals, teams or organisations – it’s no mean feat. It takes years of experience, there are no shortcuts, and it is well documented that the transition from manager to leader isn’t an easy one. Very few in fact gain the title ‘great leader’, though it’s an accolade desired by so many.

What have we learnt at Sixty Eight about the behaviour of great hospitality leaders?

What are they doing differently and why are people so engaged in their plight?

What do they have in common?

Here is our take on the qualities we see, without exception, in the great leaders we know.

1. They lead with purpose, not profit

Of course, profit is an output of great leaders, but it doesn’t inspire people to come to work and give their all. Purpose, however, can and does. Engaging an individual, team or organisation in a credible ‘why?’ is one of the first commonalities we see in great leaders.

2. They are visionaries

Whilst managers set goals, great leaders see the future and can not only articulate it, they ensure that all work falls in line with it.

If a project doesn’t help achieve the vision, they don’t do it. It’s often said that we can overestimate what we can achieve in one year, but completely underestimate what we can achieve in three. Great leaders can truly see what their team are capable of.

Stretching their capacity with realistic foresight.

3. Strong core values

Great leaders know that the way things are done is crucial. Outlining values is the easy part, living them day in day out to create culture is where so many leaders can fail. Too many pay lip service to ‘values’, words on a wall perhaps, but having clear values allows for cohesive decision making. Negating the need for excessive processes as teams have autonomy to make decisions in line with values.

4. The knowledge it’s all about people

A great leader once said, ‘My fate is tied with those around me’. Great leaders know that any success is down to the people they have on their team. Yes, they hire superstars, people better than themselves in fact, but more than that – they credit their teams with success but take responsibility for failure. Humility is rife amongst the true greats.

5. They know themselves

This year we started delivering Insights Discovery. A personality profiling tool that enables people to gain a greater understanding of themselves and others. Only when one truly understands themselves can they perfect understanding, and therefore leading, others.  Crafting this enables great leaders to flex their skill to fit that of others around them.

6. They are always learning

The eternal student. You will find great leaders listening, much more than telling. They have mastered the art of listening and reflecting and lost that need to voice an opinion. Great hospitality leaders, to be specific, know they can learn the most from the boots on the ground, from the guys serving the guests, not from another board member. The great NEVER forget this.

7. They make tough calls

Sometimes the toughest of calls. Whether it’s getting rid of someone in the business who is detrimental, whether it’s having to cut spends in line with trading perception or simply saying ‘no’ – great leaders make this calls at pace. The difficult part is often the comms around these tough calls. Great leaders consider the impact on everyone in the business and ensure collective understanding.

8. Graft

If anyone thinks you become a great leader without hard work, you are sadly mistaken. Their thoughts are consumed with the success of the individual, team or organisation. 9-5 is unrealistic. I’ll refer to point 6, always learning means always learning.

Whether that’s from talking to people, analysing the market, reading business literature. They know when to recharge, and of course they don’t hold this expectation for others. But bloody hell do they work hard.

I’m sure there are many more attributes of the good and great… if you look hard enough. Sometimes, it’s clear when you meet someone great – their energy, intellect and logic is glaringly obvious. Sometimes it’s not so clear. Sometimes you must work alongside them watching how they listen, observe and react to the world.

But one thing I do know, I feel privileged to work in an industry packed full of greats. I speak to them day in day out.

The best part? I have to say its CLASSOF68, supporting the great leaders of the future. Glorious. It never gets easier, you just get better. Want to know how? Check out our management training solutions here.