Our life journey is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. While daunting and overwhelming, these obstacles do not define us. Indeed, how we approach and overcome them will shape our character and define our success. Insights from It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast shed light on strategies from industry leaders:
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Central to mastering challenges is fostering a growth mindset. By viewing obstacles as opportunities for personal and professional growth, we can enhance our skills and intelligence. As Jennifer Fugolo, vice president of advancement for the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation, aptly stated, “What you learn from obstacles or challenges often has a more profound impact than lessons learned from successes.”
- Properly Diagnose, then Act Swiftly: In the face of adversity, procrastination is our enemy. Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels said, “Speed and going straight at problems is always my inclination. The stickier the problem is, the more intense my application of energy tends to be.” However, Mark advises against impulsivity. He continued: “It’s really important to properly diagnose what the issue is - quickly and accurately - before you take action. Because oftentimes, if you act first and aim later, you end up with other unintended consequences and sometimes doing more damage.”
- Keep Calm & Be Open to Pivoting: Maintaining composure during challenges is crucial. Michael Evans, President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, stressed the importance of staying calm and focused. “We need to pinpoint the root causes of our challenges, devise a plan, and be prepared to pivot if needed,” he said. Collaboration and adaptability are also key factors to navigating challenges effectively.
- Leverage Collaborative Teams with the Right Mindset: Elie Maalouf, President & CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts suggested there's frequently more than one right answer, so it’s important to take time to analyze the situation. He also recognizes the importance of working collaboratively with our team to break down the challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks to create a roadmap to success. He added: “You can't be fixing every problem yourself. You're just going to be overwhelmed. Surround yourself with people who have that mindset of finding the issues, breaking them down into their core problems, coming up with solutions, and having a mindset of: We can make this better."
- Seek Support from Trusted Networks: Facing challenges alone can be isolating. Jin Lee, CEO of Acrophyte Hospitality Trust, stressed the importance of seeking support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. “Take time to step away, reflect, and discuss potential solutions with your network,” he advised.
- Be Steady and Relentless: A positive attitude can be a powerful catalyst for overcoming challenges. Chip Rogers, former president and CEO of AHLA, shares insights from his experience as a competitive runner and using each milepost as motivation to reach another goal. “Victory often comes from being steady and relentless in pursuing your goals,” he said. Maintaining focus and determination can help us overcome even the toughest challenges.
- Prioritize Self-Care & Cultivate Adaptability: Balancing work and personal life is essential when dealing with challenges. Prioritizing self-care and cultivating adaptability equips us with the physical and mental strength needed to face obstacles head-on. A healthy work-life balance improves our overall well-being and resilience.
- Reflection is Key to Growth: Fugolo advocates for reflection as a tool for personal growth. “When things don’t go as planned, take time to reflect on what you've learned and how you can improve,” she advised. Embracing self-compassion and acknowledging our achievements can put us in the right frame of mind to be resilient.
Challenges offer invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By adopting a positive mindset, seeking support, and fostering collaboration, we can navigate challenges effectively. Enduring hardships builds resilience, strengthening our ability to overcome future obstacles. Sharing experiences and advice helps us learn from one another and thrive in our professional endeavors.
What's your experience with challenges, and what advice do you have for those facing them? You're not alone on this journey. By sharing experiences and advice, we can collectively improve and thrive.
It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast showcases the inspiring journeys of leaders across the hospitality industry, empowering listeners with actionable insights for personal and professional success. With a library of over 200 episodes, the podcast features candid advice and stories from C-Suite executives, educators, life coaches, best-selling authors, and other influential voices in the field. Launched in 2022 by industry veterans David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott, and Huilian Duan, It’s Personal Stories has earned recognition as a top hospitality podcast by the International Hospitality Institute every year since its debut. Discover these powerful stories and more at www.ItsPersonalStories.com.