Thriving in Hospitality: Top Professional Development Resources to Grow Your Career and Sharpen Your Management Skills

The hospitality industry thrives on exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and a well-rounded management approach. For hotel managers and hospitality professionals looking to sharpen their skills, staying updated with the right tools and resources is essential. Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite professional development resources to help you refine your leadership strategies and support your team in achieving success.

1. Training Programs and Certifications

Investing in certifications and formal training programs is one of the best ways to enhance your management skills. Consider these industry-recognized programs:

• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI): Offers certifications covering essential leadership principles like the Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) and Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA).

• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): Provides education in financial management, technology trends, and leadership.
  
  
• Cornell University Online: Renowned for its hospitality management certificate programs that cover strategic leadership, financial management, and revenue optimization.

2. Books for Hospitality Leaders

Books offer timeless wisdom and are an affordable way to learn from industry leaders. A few recommendations include:

• Setting the Table by Danny Meyer – A must-read on hospitality excellence and creating meaningful guest relationships.

• The Heart of Hospitality by Micah Solomon – A guide on delivering five-star experiences while managing operational challenges.

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – Focuses on building trust and collaboration in teams, which is vital for hospitality managers.
  
  
• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara – Illustrates how going above and beyond can transform your business and create extraordinary experiences.

3. Join Industry Associations for Professionals

There are tons of industry associations for hospitality professionals to join that come with free resources, built-in support, mentorship, educational events, networking, and more. Here are just a few of them.

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): The AHLA is the leading voice in hospitality representing every segment of the hotel industry. The organization strives to be an indispensable resource by serving, supporting, and advocating on behalf of the American hospitality industry.

• Women Leading Travel & Hospitality: The Women Leading Travel & Hospitality organization provides executive women in the travel and hospitality industry a place where they can unite, educate, and inspire one another.
  
  
• National Association for Catering and Events (NACE): NACE is the go-to resource and community for catering and event professionals nationwide. The organization aims to empower catering and event professionals by providing industry-leading education, tools and resources, as well as a vibrant community to learn and grow.

4. Podcasts and Online Webinars

Short on time? Podcasts and webinars are accessible options to gain knowledge while on the go. Some favorites include:

• The Proven Principles Podcast: Offers insights on operational strategies, guest satisfaction, and team development.

• HFTP Webinar Series: Covers topics like technology adoption, financial trends, and cybersecurity in hospitality.

• The Modern Hotelier: Discusses current industry trends and new technologies with industry experts to help hoteliers succeed in a new age of hospitality.
  
  
• Hospitality Daily: Helps hospitality companies stay informed and inspired to delight their customers and grow their business through short, daily conversations.
  
  

P.S. Keep an eye out for Sertifi’s new podcast, Creating Hospitality, dropping in February! In this conversation series, we explore a fundamental question to our industry: how can today’s hospitality leaders create healthy, happy teams categorically capable of helping guests find their joy? We’ll hear stories and get inspired on ways to build successful teams, careers, and customer experiences in the industry.

5. Networking Opportunities

Management success often comes down to building strong connections with peers. Take advantage of networking opportunities to learn from others.

• Industry Conferences: Events like HITEC, The Hospitality Show, or BITAC events bring together leaders to discuss trends and share strategies.

• LinkedIn Groups: Join hospitality-focused groups like Hotel Management Network or Hospitality Professionals Network to exchange ideas and ask questions.
  
  
• Mentorship Programs: Seek mentorship opportunities within your organization or through associations like AHLEI to learn directly from seasoned leaders.

6. Technology Training

As technology becomes an integral part of hotel operations, managers need to stay informed about digital tools and software. Resources to consider include:

• Sertifi Training Center: Learn about secure payment solutions, e-signatures, and PCI compliance to streamline your operations.

• Hospitality Technology Magazine: Offers guides and case studies on implementing the latest tech innovations in hotels.
  
  
• Technology Certifications: Programs like CHAE (Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive) can deepen your understanding of financial technology in the industry.

7. Take It a Step Further

To make the most of these resources, integrate the skills you gain into practical management strategies.

• Lead by Example: Your behavior sets the tone for the team. Display empathy, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

• Encourage Continuous Learning: Share the resources listed above with your team and create opportunities for collective growth.

• Stay Data-Driven: Use analytics tools and technology to make informed decisions about guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

By taking advantage of these professional development resources and incorporating proven management practices, you’ll not only grow as a leader but also be well-equipped to inspire your team to thrive in the hospitality industry. Happy learning! 🌟