In a recent, serendipitous conversation with a business friend, the spotlight fell on the invaluable, transferable skills instilled by the hospitality industry.

The tale began with a remarkable young woman in his graphic design & brand agency, who, at the tender age of 13, had amassed an impressive 85,000 followers on YouTube. Her prowess in the realm of social media was undeniable, making her a perfect fit for the agency.

However, as he soon realized, online influence is just one side of the coin. He needed her to navigate the world of face-to-face interactions, to enter a room and effortlessly build relationships. After all, the age-old adage holds true – people buy from people they know and like. Despite her online success, this young woman found herself daunted by the prospect of engaging with others in person, especially with those who held different interests and backgrounds, most of whom were older.

Recognizing the need for a specific set of skills, my friend didn't resort to a conventional approach of logical explanations or instructional videos. Instead, he turned to the hospitality industry!

His solution was simple yet profound.

He tasked her with securing a weekend job in hospitality, offering a bonus in addition to her wages. Why? Because he understood that within the hospitality industry lies the art of building confidence and conducting meaningful conversations – skills that often go unnoticed but are fundamental.

In the hospitality world, we inadvertently become tutors of tacit skills – teaching our staff how to put others at ease, ensuring comfort, endearing ourselves to whoever walks through the door, managing moods and expectations, and efficiently communicating within a team. These are not just tactics for getting through a shift; they are essential skills that the industry teaches through survive and thrive instincts.

Some individuals learn to play the clown, some to listen with intent, some to manage expectations, and some to exude outright charm. Everyone learns key phrases, a rhythm, and a patter that they practice, skills that are not just beneficial in business but also in personal relationships.

Often labeled as 'listening,' these skills go beyond mere attentive hearing. They encompass the art of good conversation, a learned skill set honed through experiential learning alongside our peers.

Working in hospitality and mastering the art of communication instills a confidence that is palpable.

It's a celebration of the hospitality industry, an acknowledgment of the underrated and underappreciated role it plays in supporting the personal development of young individuals, preparing them for success wherever they go next.

Hoorah for the hospitality industry and the heroes it nurtures!