I'm an Entrepreneurial Manager, get me out of here!
- Alex Munford
- May 8, 2024
- 9 min read
Hey there! In our ever-changing world of hospitality, where guests' desires evolve almost daily, we've got a secret weapon: entrepreneurial managers. These aren't just any leaders; they're creative powerhouses with a knack for solving puzzles that haven't even been laid out yet. Their creativity, initiative, and problem-solving mindset are exactly what we need to keep pushing boundaries and excelling.
However, these talented managers are often under-appreciated, under-utilised, undervalued, and misunderstood, leading them to leave an industry that desperately needs their skills and innovation.
Let's delve into who these invaluable individuals are, explore strategies to retain them, discuss methods to attract more, and examine why the hospitality industry is in dire need of their talents.
Meet the Mavericks: Entrepreneurial Managers in Hospitality
Ever met someone who turns every moment into a masterpiece? That's the entrepreneurial manager in hospitality. They're the ones who wake up with a spark, dreaming up ways to make every guest encounter unforgettable. Instead of waiting for problems to knock on the door, they're out there inventing solutions that set new standards for satisfaction and efficiency.
Why do we crave innovation in hospitality? Because at its core, hospitality is about creating magic moments. And who better to sprinkle that magic than these innovators? They thrive on breaking the mould, whether it's through mind-blowing services or heartfelt experiences that linger in guests' memories.
Forget the status quo—these managers redefine the game, pushing boundaries and reshaping what hospitality truly means. With them at the helm, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life that keeps us ahead of the curve and leaves our competitors in awe.
Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Magic in Hospitality Management
🚀 Problem-Solving Wizards: Think of them as the superheroes of hospitality, turning challenges into triumphs. They don't just solve problems; they revolutionize operations, making every guest experience extraordinary.
🏃♂️ Agile Leaders in Action: In the fast-paced world of hospitality, they're the masters of adaptability. They anticipate shifts in the industry, tweak strategies on the fly, and keep the business ahead of the game while keeping guests delighted.
💖 Customer Connection Whisperers: For them, hospitality is all about heart. They create experiences that leave guests feeling like family, building loyalty one smile at a time.
💰 Revenue Mavericks and Opportunity Hunters: They're not just managers; they're money magicians. Spotting new markets, launching innovative services, and boosting profits are all in a day's work for these entrepreneurial minds.
🌟 Inspirational Trailblazers: Their passion ignites teams, turning ordinary tasks into extraordinary achievements. They lead with gusto, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability that breeds success.
Chances are you’ve crossed paths with an entrepreneurial manager in the hospitality biz.
You Probably Already Know an Entrepreneurial Manager
Chances are you’ve crossed paths with an entrepreneurial manager in the hospitality biz, those dynamic leaders who are always buzzing with ideas, the issue is, keeping these people on board can be tough.
Here’s a look at why these trailblazers might decide it’s time to pack up their innovative spirit and venture beyond the familiar confines of the industry:
Chasing Bigger Dreams: Sometimes, the room just isn’t big enough! Entrepreneurial spirits in hospitality often find themselves longing for a playground where they can spread their wings wider. If they feel boxed in, they're likely to head for the exits, seeking spaces where they can truly soar.
Dreaming of Their Own Empire: Many of these go-getters dream about being the captain of their own ship. After sharpening their skills in the bustling world of hospitality, they might strike out on their own, hungry to build something from the ground up.
Tired of the Red Tape Tango: Hospitality can sometimes feel like you're dancing in a suit of armour: clunky and slow. For those who prefer to move fast and break things, the slow pace of corporate decision-making can be a deal-breaker.
Craving Some Downtime: Let’s face it, the hospitality industry rarely sleeps, and neither do its managers. Nights, weekends, holidays—you name it. After a while, this grind can take its toll, pushing them to look for gigs that respect the clock-out time.
Looking for the Money Tree: Passion doesn’t pay the bills, does it? If the pay check doesn’t match up to the perspiration, these ambitious managers might pack up their talents and take them where the financial grass is greener.
Hunting New Horizons: Got the t-shirt, wore it out. Once they’ve seen all the sights there are to see in hospitality, the daily routine might start to wear thin. Always on the lookout for the next big thrill, they might jump ship for new adventures.
Feeling Stuck on the Treadmill: Entrepreneurial types are all about levelling up. If there’s no next level in sight, don’t expect them to stick around. They might head off to scale new heights elsewhere, seeking roles that challenge their limits.
Clashing with the Old School: When the old guard likes things "just so," and our manager is all about shaking things up, sparks can fly. If the culture clash gets too much, expect them to find a better fit where innovation isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.
Intrapreneurship, “the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organisation”
Spotting and Keeping the Spark
Here's how to spot and retain the entrepreneurial spirit within your team, ensuring a culture of innovation and growth.
Dream Chasers Welcome: Let's celebrate those with big visions! Encourage their ambitions and offer pathways for growth. Let them know the sky's the limit.
Nurture their Creative Fire: Create a playground for innovation. Give them the freedom to brainstorm, experiment, and take calculated risks. Show them that you're on their team, ready to support their ideas.
Trim the Red Tape: Cut through the bureaucracy. Empower them to make decisions swiftly, without getting bogged down in endless meetings and paperwork. Keep them moving forward, not stuck in corporate quicksand.
Balance is Key: Respect their need for downtime. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and ensure they have time to recharge outside of work. Happy managers make for happy teams.
Show Them the Money: Passion is great, but so is a pay check. Make sure their hard work is reflected in their compensation. Let them know they're valued and rewarded for their dedication.
Fuel Their Growth: Keep the learning alive. Offer opportunities for skill development and encourage them to explore new avenues within the industry. A curious mind is a powerful thing.
Celebrate Progress: Make progress part of your culture. Recognise their achievements and provide clear paths for advancement. Keep the momentum going with plenty of high-fives along the way.
Champion Innovation: Break the mould. Encourage a culture where new ideas are welcomed with open arms. Let them know that shaking things up isn't just okay—it's encouraged.
Spotlight on Virgin Hotels
Let’s talk about Virgin Hotels, where Richard Branson's legendary entrepreneurial spirit lights up the hospitality scene. This place is a playground for innovative thinking, where managers are given the freedom to experiment and enhance guest satisfaction. It’s not just about being better; it’s about being different.
The Power of Entrepreneurial Teams: Virgin Hotels is all about unleashing the power of entrepreneurial teams, and here's why that's a game-changer:
Decentralised Decision-Making: At Virgin Hotels, there's no waiting for HQ to approve every little detail. They trust their teams to make on-the-spot decisions that wow their guests. This decentralised approach means they can pivot fast, fix problems quickly, and keep the magic flowing.
Cross-Functional Innovation Groups: The folks at Virgin Hotels know that innovation doesn’t happen in silos. Their cross-functional teams bring together the best minds from operations, customer service, marketing, and more to brainstorm and launch bold new ideas that keep guests coming back. It’s a mix of expertise that leads to something truly unique.
Experimentation and Feedback Loops: If you love experimenting with new ideas, Virgin Hotels is the place to be. They encourage their teams to test unconventional concepts and then refine them through guest feedback. Got a quirky idea for a new room service twist? Go for it! If it works, it could be rolled out across all locations.
Training and Development: Continuous learning is key to staying on top of your game, and Virgin Hotels knows it. They invest in training sessions and workshops that cover creative thinking, leadership, and change management. It’s not just about being good at your job—it’s about unlocking the potential to innovate.
Rewarding Risk-Taking: Richard Branson is all about taking risks, and Virgin Hotels embodies that ethos. They reward team members who bring fresh ideas to the table, even if not all of them pan out. The message is clear: don’t be afraid to shake things up!
Cultural Fit and Hiring: It’s not just about checking off skills on a list. Virgin Hotels hires people who embody the Virgin spirit—those who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and make a real difference. With a team that’s aligned in passion and purpose, they don’t just perform well; they’re advocates of the brand’s innovative ethos.
Virgin Hotels Nashville
At Virgin Hotels, entrepreneurial managers aren’t just filling roles—they’re transforming the guest experience one innovative idea at a time. So, if you’re looking to shake up your hospitality game, it’s time to start hiring with that entrepreneurial mindset in mind.
Don't let more Entrepreneurs become a sad Adele lyric
How Recruiters can Charm Entrepreneurs into the Hospitality Scene?
Alright, let’s get into how to snag those go-getters who are used to steering their own ships. Here’s your playbook for making them part of your crew:
Spotlight on Growth: Paint a picture of what they can achieve with you. Got a new venue opening? Maybe a revamp of a classic spot? Tell them how they can make their mark.
Perks with Personality: Offer something a little extra that goes beyond the usual. Think flexible schedules or creative bonuses that shout, “We value your drive and ideas!”
Show Off Your Culture: Use your social platforms to showcase the vibrant, energetic side of your business. Make your team the dream team everyone wants to join.
Talk Impact: Make it clear their role isn’t just a title—it’s a chance to really shake things up. Entrepreneurs want to see the fruits of their labor bloom, and not just on paper.
Straight Talk on Money: Be upfront about the dough. Sure, the base might be set, but let them know about performance bonuses or profit-sharing that sweeten the pot.
Craft Captivating Roles: When you’re drafting that job ad, sprinkle in words like "innovative," "trailblazer," and "revolutionary." Make the role sound as exciting as it really is.
Never Stop Learning: Offer chances for them to grow their skills. Workshops, courses, you name it—show them that joining your team means they keep moving forward.
Match Their Speed: Show that your business moves at entrepreneur speed—quick to adapt and always ahead of the curve. They’ll love knowing they’re joining a team that doesn’t drag its heels.
Vision for the Future: Give them a peek into the future of the company and their place in it. Entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for their next big thing—make sure they see that opportunity with you.
Switching back to being employed can be tough
Tips for those Swapping Entrepreneurship for Employment
Switching back to being employed can feel like moving from being a captain to joining a crew. Here’s how to smooth that transition:
Spruce Up Your Resume: Your entrepreneurial journey is your ace—showcase it!
Mindset Makeover: Get ready to collaborate and maybe take orders instead of giving them.
Network Like a Pro: Use your contacts and keep making new ones. Opportunities are out there!
Sell Your Skills: You’ve got a toolkit that can benefit any team—make sure they know it.
Clarify Your Move: Be clear about why you’re switching gears. Stability? New challenges? Tell them.
Be Real About Money: Know what you’re worth, but keep your salary hopes in line with your role.
Target the Right Roles: Look for roles that thirst for your entrepreneurial flair.
Never Stop Learning: Show them you’re eager to adapt and grow.
Adjust Your Pace: Every company has its rhythm. Find it and sync up.
Plan for the Long Haul: Show you’re there for the long run and align with their long-term goals.
'The Innovator's Dilemma,' sheds light on a big issue: why hefty companies often become the opposite of groundbreaking. They’re great at tweaking what they’ve got but drop the ball when it comes to fresh, radical ideas. For those of us in hospitality, this is a wake-up call to keep that entrepreneurial spark alive. Staying flexible and innovative is key in our fast-paced industry.
As big hospitality companies get older, they often start to play it safe. They choose predictable hires over the innovators. This might seem less risky, but it’s the bold ideas and big moves that keep hospitality exciting. These companies also tend to pile on more rules, more reports, more financial checks, and more computer work. Honestly, this crushes creativity and is a real turn-off for entrepreneurial types.
“Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming.” Sir Richard Branson
Hiring entrepreneurial managers should never be about filling jobs quickly either. If that’s all you do, it will end in disaster. These managers should be used to excite our guests, motivate our teams, and grow our businesses.
We need to bring their energy into our management. It’s necessary to keep things fun and make sure hospitality stays lively.
When times are bad, you might lose nearly everything-but keep at it, don't give up, and you might also get it back.
Now, let’s talk! Have you added some of that entrepreneurial spark to your team and seen great results? Have you seen a leader change things for the better? I want to hear about it!
Share your stories with us and join the conversation about making hospitality more exciting with daring ideas and lots of innovation.
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