Yukl & Level 5 Leadership

After reading the Yukl Summary and Level 5 Leadership, the theory I believe to be most compelling is people vs. task oriented. Throughout my time in SDSU’s Hospitality Management program, this concept of leadership has been brought up dozens of times. Leadership is such an important part of our lessons at school as well as the industry we work in. If you would’ve asked me 4 years ago when I entered SDSU how I would describe my leadership style, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. Now, I can proudly say it’s a mix between people and task oriented, but with a little stronger emphasis on people. Why? Our industry is about the experiences, and people are the center to all these experiences. My favorite concept developed about people oriented is called the “51 Percenters” by Danny Meyer. Basically what it says is we should aim to hire the people who are passionate, driven, and empathetic because that will translate to the most genuine guest experience. The other 49%, the just as significant but easier to teach part, is technical service, or task oriented. We as leaders can teach anyone a particular set of skills to use a POS system, or steps of service. We cannot teach passion and empathy. This is why I strive to practice a people oriented leadership style, thus to surround myself with the same kind of people, and in turn achieve a greater service quality and work environment.