Call me crazy, but I believe there is an incredible shift happening in the world today…  I like to refer to it as mindfulnessor intentional living.  More and more people are leaving the “muggle” world, and embracing the idea that being more mindful and intentional about the way they conduct themselves is much more fulfilling.  It sounds so “new-age” and “woo-woo” right?  It simply means being conscious.  It’s very easy to go through our days focusing on the tactics, what needs to get done, responsibility, pleasing vs. giving, and all of that nonsense.  It’s going through our days asleep at the wheel, not really taking in and embracing the incredible gifts we have as leaders.  This can leave many of us feeling empty, and wondering why in the hell are we working so hard for so little reward.  And most of all… It takes its toll on everyone around us.  It’s said that you are the average of the fivepeople you spend the most time with. I believe that if we transform to more mindful and intentional leaders, parents, colleagues, spouses, daughters, sons, partners… We will create a ripple effect of more joy and productivity all around us… Especially in the workplace where so much of our time is spent. 

Over the past few years, I’ve been studying from some of the leading minds in this area, diving into some amazing books and articles, and surrounding myself by other like-minded business leaders that have embraced this lifestyle and mantra: to lead by example and createthe world we wish to live in. Because of this commitment, I have experienced this shift first-hand, and witnessed how it has transformed myself, my team, and family.

So, if you’re still with me… Let me share with you WHY.  Where am I going with all of this?

Wouldn’t you say the hospitality industry has a bit of a challenge? There is a well-known high turnover rate, especially in the sales departments, and there is a lot of frustration around skill level, commitment, and productivity.  I hear about it daily, and I’m sure that if you’re not currently living it… You’re also hearing about it, and maybe even bracing for more of it.  Sounds pretty defeatist, huh?  I believe that our industry doesn’t have to be that way!  I’m moved to start a group on LinkedIn called Impactful Hospitality Leaders, which will be a safe place to share ideas around solving these challenges. Because, let’s face it… They keep us up at night, keep the asset owners up at night, and cause a lot of unnecessary & unwanted “kerfluffle” (to borrow a word from one of my dearest friends, mentors and business coaches, Stacey Martino) for everyone.

I see a need for a space like this for hospitality industry leadership to build a community that brings light to this topic, and intentionally focuses on solutions that get to the root cause of what matters most.

So, how can we better support each other as leaders in the hospitality industry?  How can we think outside the box to come up with solutions to the most frustrating challenges? Here are a few ideas and topics I’ve been thinking about:

• Retaining top sales talent.
• Motivating the new generation of sales people.
• Enhancing our sales processes & systems to marry the buyers’ needs.
• Presenting to owners that perhaps don’t seem to care or understand how the sales process works.
• Supporting our team’s needs for balance, while still focusing on results and productivity.
• Nurturing ourselves as leaders, to avoid burnout.
• Balancing our roles as sales leaders and doers.
• Motivating our teams with a useful “lessons vs. failures” mindset.
• Leading our teams to overcome fears in sales & be more productive.
• Leading with a healthy mindset.

And so many more! How about you?  Have any other ideas or topics that “light your fire?”

If any of this resonates with you… Please join us at Impactful Hospitality Leaders! Even for just 5 minutes a week to share your content, questions, and ideas (Or hey… Just lurk and pick up some cool content… I won’t judge!). And who knows, maybe we can even cause a ripple, and create more powerful, intentional and mindful sales teams throughout the hospitality industry.  Wouldn’t that be amazing?!

The one thing I’ve learned, is that if you change yourmindset… You can change your world.

With Gratitude!

Amy Infante