#196: Will Guidara, former owner of Eleven Madison Park – Make people feel seen
Jul 18, 2024
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Former owner of Eleven Madison Park, Will Guidara, discusses 'unreasonable hospitality' and making people feel seen. Topics include setting audacious goals, giving effective feedback, and the importance of continuous learning and service in leadership. He also shares insights on self-care, achieving dreams, and the launch of a new hospitality group.
Prioritize public recognition and praise to motivate team members and create a positive work environment.
Transition from being a 'player' to a 'coach' in business leadership to effectively guide and support the team.
Invest in continual learning and teaching within the team to drive growth and foster a culture of shared knowledge.
Focus on building enriching relationships through genuine care and understanding to enhance leadership skills.
Recognize the importance of persistence and adaptability in leadership to navigate challenges and drive sustained success.
Deep dives
Building Trust Through Relationships
Building trust within a team is essential for effective leadership. Trust is fostered when people feel known and understood, making it easier for them to follow a leader. This trust is built by investing time in getting to know the individuals within your team.
Unreasonable Hospitality as a Key to Success
The concept of 'unreasonable hospitality' emerged as a key driver of success for 11 Madison Park, helping them achieve recognition as the number one restaurant in the world. Emphasizing care and exceptional service for customers, rather than just culinary prowess, set them apart. This approach focused on making people feel seen and valued, creating impactful experiences.
Embracing a Coach's Role in Leadership
Leaders need to distinguish between being a 'player' and a 'coach' in the business world. It's crucial to transition from being actively involved in tasks to guiding and coaching the team. Understanding and fulfilling the role of a coach is vital for effective leadership.
Continual Growth Through Teaching and Learning
Prioritizing continual learning and teaching within a team drives growth and success. Investing in the education and development of team members not only enhances their professional skills but also fosters a culture of shared knowledge and growth. Learning and teaching should be integral components of a leader's approach.
The Power of Recognition in Leadership
Public recognition and praise are powerful tools in leadership, motivating team members and fostering a positive work environment. Acknowledging and celebrating achievements in a public setting can inspire individuals to excel. Recognizing accomplishments boosts morale and encourages continuous improvement.
Focused Persistence and Knowing When to Move On
Persistence in pursuing goals is important, but leaders must also recognize when to pivot or move on from a situation that no longer aligns with their values or vision. Constant evaluation of the effectiveness and alignment of actions with goals is essential to drive success.
Investing in Relationships and 'Unreasonable Care'
The launch of the Thank You hospitality group underscores the importance of investing in relationships and prioritizing care in business interactions. The group aims to assist businesses in prioritizing hospitality and relationship-building, viewing these aspects as essential components of success.
Creating Enriching Relationships Through Care and Understanding
A core takeaway for individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills is to focus on building enriching relationships through genuine care and understanding. Prioritizing the well-being and growth of team members leads to stronger connections and more effective leadership.
Balancing Persistence with Adaptability in Leadership
Persistence and adaptability are essential qualities for effective leadership. While persistence drives towards goals, adaptability allows leaders to respond to changing circumstances and make necessary adjustments. Balancing these traits enables leaders to navigate challenges and drive sustained success.
Prioritizing Trust-building and Team Development in Leadership
In the pursuit of becoming a better leader, investing in trust-building and team development is paramount. Leaders should prioritize understanding and connecting with their team members to foster trust and collaboration. Building strong relationships within the team enhances leadership effectiveness and team synergy.
As leaders, how we make people feel is SO important.
This week, learn how to make the people you serve feel seen and understood. It’s the power of “unreasonable hospitality,” a term that helped Will Guidara make his restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, the #1 restaurant in the world in 2017.
You don’t have to be in the hospitality industry to find lots of takeaways here to help your business rise to the top.
You’ll also learn:
Why you should tell people what you’re good at
How to give criticism
The big risk you take by thinking you need to be perfect all the time
