Over the past decade, leadership strategies have left a lasting impact in the hospitality industry. A leader’s journey is often shaped by the timeless insights of thought leaders like Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, John C. Maxwell and Jack Welch. Their ideas on humility, purpose, empowerment and leaving a legacy provide a roadmap for driving teams, achieving results and inspiring growth in a demanding industry.
Principle 1: humility and determination
Jim Collins’ concept of “Level 5 Leadership” profoundly influences how leaders view effective leadership, emphasizing humility paired with unwavering determination. Exceptional leaders balance personal ambition with the responsibility of building teams aligned with their organization’s long-term vision.
Collins’ metaphor of “getting the right people on the bus and the wrong people off” highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who share values, demonstrate the right mindset and align with organizational goals. Proactively addressing negativity and misalignment is crucial for fostering a cohesive and high-performing team environment.
Leaders who prioritize culture over technical skills lay a solid foundation for sustainable success. A united, motivated team is better equipped to navigate challenges than one composed of highly skilled but misaligned members. For this reason, many leaders consistently prioritize character and integrity over raw talent, as these qualities drive lasting success.
Principle 2: driving purpose
Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” philosophy underscores how purpose can inspire motivation and foster commitment. Leaders who effectively communicate the “why” behind their decisions establish a stronger emotional connection with their teams, resulting in loyalty and dedication.
In the hospitality sector, where excellence is non-negotiable, aligning team members with the organization’s purpose ensures loyalty and meaningful engagement. For example, during Nescafé solutions technician refresher training, I emphasize how these sessions align with our overarching goal of enhancing customer experiences. These initiatives reflect our commitment to consistent quality at every stage of coffee consumption, creating a shared sense of purpose.
By tying initiatives to a clear mission, teams enthusiastically embrace their roles, leading to seamless execution and positive client feedback.
Principle 3: building and empowering teams
Building strong and cohesive teams requires more than task delegation; it involves fostering trust, mentoring leaders and promoting collaboration. Trust forms the bedrock of teamwork, and without it, long-term success is unattainable. Open communication, accountability and creating a safe space for feedback empower teams to exceed expectations, especially in fast-paced industries like hospitality.
Leaders must also prioritize team development by offering growth opportunities and encouraging ownership of roles. Furthermore, this approach creates a ripple effect of success that benefits every level of the organization. Personally, I take pride in seeing former team members grow into regional brand managers, trade marketing managers and business leaders across the MENA region.
Principle 4: leadership with ethics and values
Authentic leadership thrives on integrity and deeply rooted values. In addition, in hospitality, where client relationships are central to success, ethical leadership is critical. Moreover, transparency and honesty in every interaction, decision, and negotiation foster sustainable partnerships.
My guiding principle has always been, “Do what is right, even when no one is watching.” This ensures credibility and trustworthiness in all circumstances.
Additionally, empathy is essential in leadership. By authentically connecting with team members, leaders build trust and inspire loyalty. For instance, in high-pressure situations, leaders who acknowledge challenges and collaborate on solutions foster resilience and innovation.
Principle 5: the Welch perspective
Jack Welch famously described leaders as the “Chief Happiness Officer” and “Chief Giving Officer.” These roles resonate deeply in a people-driven industry like hospitality. Leaders who ensure their teams feel valued, motivated and supported drive success on all fronts.
Being a “Chief Giving Officer” goes beyond financial incentives. It involves investing time and resources into personal development. Leaders who give generously to their teams — whether through mentorship, training or recognition — foster loyalty and inspire exceptional performance.
The path forward
Ultimately, leadership is about balance — balancing humility with determination, ethics with results and strategy with empathy. As the Middle East’s hospitality industry continues to grow, leaders must focus on creating environments where innovation, inclusivity and integrity thrive.
Leadership in the hospitality industry: using five timeless principles
Robeir Sarofeem, sales country manager for Nestlé Professional, believes that great leaders are not defined by their titles or authority but by their experiences and wisdom. In this article, he explores strategies and core principles that drive success and sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Over the past decade, leadership strategies have left a lasting impact in the hospitality industry. A leader’s journey is often shaped by the timeless insights of thought leaders like Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, John C. Maxwell and Jack Welch. Their ideas on humility, purpose, empowerment and leaving a legacy provide a roadmap for driving teams, achieving results and inspiring growth in a demanding industry.
Principle 1: humility and determination
Jim Collins’ concept of “Level 5 Leadership” profoundly influences how leaders view effective leadership, emphasizing humility paired with unwavering determination. Exceptional leaders balance personal ambition with the responsibility of building teams aligned with their organization’s long-term vision.
Collins’ metaphor of “getting the right people on the bus and the wrong people off” highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who share values, demonstrate the right mindset and align with organizational goals. Proactively addressing negativity and misalignment is crucial for fostering a cohesive and high-performing team environment.
Leaders who prioritize culture over technical skills lay a solid foundation for sustainable success. A united, motivated team is better equipped to navigate challenges than one composed of highly skilled but misaligned members. For this reason, many leaders consistently prioritize character and integrity over raw talent, as these qualities drive lasting success.
Principle 2: driving purpose
Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” philosophy underscores how purpose can inspire motivation and foster commitment. Leaders who effectively communicate the “why” behind their decisions establish a stronger emotional connection with their teams, resulting in loyalty and dedication.
In the hospitality sector, where excellence is non-negotiable, aligning team members with the organization’s purpose ensures loyalty and meaningful engagement. For example, during Nescafé solutions technician refresher training, I emphasize how these sessions align with our overarching goal of enhancing customer experiences. These initiatives reflect our commitment to consistent quality at every stage of coffee consumption, creating a shared sense of purpose.
By tying initiatives to a clear mission, teams enthusiastically embrace their roles, leading to seamless execution and positive client feedback.
Principle 3: building and empowering teams
Building strong and cohesive teams requires more than task delegation; it involves fostering trust, mentoring leaders and promoting collaboration. Trust forms the bedrock of teamwork, and without it, long-term success is unattainable. Open communication, accountability and creating a safe space for feedback empower teams to exceed expectations, especially in fast-paced industries like hospitality.
Leaders must also prioritize team development by offering growth opportunities and encouraging ownership of roles. Furthermore, this approach creates a ripple effect of success that benefits every level of the organization. Personally, I take pride in seeing former team members grow into regional brand managers, trade marketing managers and business leaders across the MENA region.
Principle 4: leadership with ethics and values
Authentic leadership thrives on integrity and deeply rooted values. In addition, in hospitality, where client relationships are central to success, ethical leadership is critical. Moreover, transparency and honesty in every interaction, decision, and negotiation foster sustainable partnerships.
My guiding principle has always been, “Do what is right, even when no one is watching.” This ensures credibility and trustworthiness in all circumstances.
Additionally, empathy is essential in leadership. By authentically connecting with team members, leaders build trust and inspire loyalty. For instance, in high-pressure situations, leaders who acknowledge challenges and collaborate on solutions foster resilience and innovation.
Principle 5: the Welch perspective
Jack Welch famously described leaders as the “Chief Happiness Officer” and “Chief Giving Officer.” These roles resonate deeply in a people-driven industry like hospitality. Leaders who ensure their teams feel valued, motivated and supported drive success on all fronts.
Being a “Chief Giving Officer” goes beyond financial incentives. It involves investing time and resources into personal development. Leaders who give generously to their teams — whether through mentorship, training or recognition — foster loyalty and inspire exceptional performance.
The path forward
Ultimately, leadership is about balance — balancing humility with determination, ethics with results and strategy with empathy. As the Middle East’s hospitality industry continues to grow, leaders must focus on creating environments where innovation, inclusivity and integrity thrive.
Robeir Sarofeem,
sales country manager
Nestlé Professional
@robeir_edward89
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