Is “passion” becoming the most overused and hollow buzzword in our industry? I find myself cringing whenever I see it in job descriptions or hear it spoken. But why?
While it’s an emotive word, what does it truly mean in the context of hospitality? Merriam-Webster offers two interpretations:
1. An intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
2. A strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
My aversion stems from these very definitions. An ‘overmastering feeling or conviction’ suggests a single-minded focus, potentially blinding us to critical business realities. As hospitality businesses navigate through unprecedented disruption, is such a narrow perspective what we need?
What’s more, does harbouring a devotion to a singular concept risk ignoring what’s fundamentally broken in your business model?
Let’s be clear: having a vision or purpose is absolutely fundamental to a successful hospitality business. It’s what sets you apart and drives your team forward. However, vision alone isn’t enough. It needs to be underpinned by a structurally sound operating framework to truly succeed.
To transform your vision into a thriving business, let’s focus on these critical P’s alongside your passion:
1. People: Gain a deep understanding of your customers and their needs. Then, build your team’s capabilities to meet these expectations.
2. Presence: Ensure an integrated approach to customer experience through thoughtful venue design and presentation, strategic brand positioning, and a robust online presence.
3. Profit: Develop a business model that’s fit for purpose in today’s landscape. Discard outdated margin formulas and embrace dynamic financial management.
By balancing your vision with these three pillars, you can create a sustainable, profitable hospitality business that truly serves its customers and communities while staying true to its purpose.
