The Ripple Effect: Rockstars or Legendary Band?

Are We Creating Rockstars or Building a Legendary Band?

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the AHA (Vic) Future Forum, where Dr. Adam Fraser, author of “Strive – Embracing the Gift of Struggle,” presented his research. His insights got me thinking about our hospitality industry and the workplace cultures we create.

One concept that particularly resonated with me was the idea of the “ripple effect” in human behaviour. Dr. Fraser explained how our actions, both positive and negative, tend to spread through our environment. It’s an interesting lens through which to view our industry dynamics, isn’t it?

This notion of behavioural contagion led me to reflect on some of the patterns we see in hospitality. For instance, consider how we sometimes elevate individuals to a sort of ‘untouchable’ status based on their skills, performance or tenure. While recognising talent is important, I wonder if this practice might inadvertently contribute to unequal standards in our workplace cultures.

Dr. Fraser also touched on the impact of negative emotions in the workplace, noting that contempt is the most toxic. It’s a sobering thought, and one that invites us to examine our own work environments more closely. How might we be fostering a culture of contempt in our day-to-day interactions?

On a more optimistic note, another key message from Dr. Fraser’s talk was the power of small behaviours in creating significant outcomes. This aligns closely with my own approach in coaching. I’ve often found that transforming a business doesn’t necessarily require tackling enormous problems head-on. Instead, it’s about building a strategic foundation, understanding root causes, and implementing incremental, continuous improvements.

These small steps, over time, can lead to substantial and lasting change. It’s a gentle reminder that every interaction, every decision, no matter how small, has the potential to create a positive ripple effect in our business.

As I left the forum, I found myself pondering how we might apply these insights in our hospitality settings. How can we be more mindful of the ripple effects we create? How might we harness the power of small, positive behaviours to shape more inclusive and supportive workplace cultures?

These are questions worth considering as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our industry.

If you are interested in exploring ways to build that strategic foundation and put the ripple effect into action, my Thrive Reset Session is the perfect way to kick off.

Get in touch to book your session!