Leadership and Me

My name is Michael Baudino and I am a senior at San Diego State University majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in restaurant operations and management. Post graduation in May, I will begin the next step in my hospitality career working as a Voyager at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, IL. My leadership philosophy is based around 3 core values: passion, integrity, and curiosity. Why continue with your profession without passion? Eventually the work you do, those you work with, and those you serve will suffer. Integrity is key; it entails trust, honesty, and getting the job done the right way. Curiosity is a necessity to continue growing, both in terms of knowledge and in the workplace, because if you are not willing to grow you will be left behind. I am also a huge proponent of never asking someone to complete a task you yourself would not be willing or capable to complete. Based on my experience as a leader, I have learned this carries a lot of weight in the work place by building trust, credibility, and positive working relationships. Being there for your peers and subordinates is key to success by showing you only have their best interests at heart.

Being a young leader is not always the easiest thing to do. As a leader, it is an uphill battle proving to yourself and peers/subordinates that you have a vision for success. In the end it's not all about celebrating the successes, but how to continue improving from them and help others grow along the way.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It's about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter."

-John C. Maxwell