Legacy leader - Essay Example

A Legacy Leader There is an abundance of literature about leadership. Many are instructional and provide guidelines on how to be an effective leaderin contemporary organizations. We usually hear the terms transformational leader, charismatic leader, situational leader, and so on. But we rarely hear the term ‘legacy leader’. There are many definitions of a legacy leader. But these definitions apparently depend on the nature of the organization where in the leader is situated. A legacy leader in the hospitality industry is one that gives much importance to employee engagement and customer satisfaction. A legacy leader knows that the success of the organization depends on the productive and heartfelt performance of the employees. It is all about motivating the members of the organization to serve its customers with warmth and enthusiasm.
One remarkable example of a legacy leader in the hospitality industry is J. Willard Marriott. The leadership legacy of the father, J. Willard Marriott, was passed on to his son, J.W. ‘Bill’ Marriott (Burwash, 2008). Admired throughout the hospitality industry for his practical approach to leadership, J.W. Marriott has developed a reputable culture that focuses on the people and acknowledges the value they endow the organization with. He is a perfect example of a legacy leader because he emphasizes the importance of a positive employee culture. He also values diversity and continuously tries to build a multicultural workforce. He only wants the best for their customers. He embraces the doctrine of kindness, sympathy, and compassion. The hospitality industry, for an ideal legacy leader like J. Willard Marriott, is all about this doctrine.
Reference
Burwash, P. (2008). The Key to Great Leadership: Rediscovering the Principles of Outstanding Service. Badger, CA: Torchlight Publishing. Read More