Ask Anthony: How Do I Become a Leader?

Anthony Melchiorri, hotel fixer and host of Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible, loves dishing out advice. From sharing best practices to tackling operational issues, he’s here to answer your questions.

How do I become a leader instead of just a manager?
Are you a manager or a leader? It’s the age-old question. A lot has been written about the two, but what is the difference? I found the answer while in the U.S. Air Force. As an enlisted soldier, I was fortunate enough to work alongside the commander and his officers. Anything they directed us to do, we did, and anything they asked for, there was a reason behind it.

Whether it was an officer on the front line or one situated at a desk, they were all “managers” who were responsible for various resources. However, this alone didn’t necessarily make them leaders. Leaders are defined not by rank or title but rather by how they make their associates feel—as though they matter.

When soldiers did well, they knew it. When they didn’t do their jobs, and the team was depending on it, their leaders held them accountable.

In the hotel business, I have strived to follow in the footsteps of the leaders I’ve encountered. I don’t call myself a leader and never will. We are managers, and it is up to our staff members to decide whether we are good leaders. But, if you conduct yourself with integrity and truly care about your teammembers, they will see you as more than just a manager—you will be elevated to leadership status in their eyes.

Got a question? Leave a reply below or send it to AskAnthony@lodgingmagazine.com.