“What Do I Do Next?”: Embracing the Leadership Adventure

You just started your first management position, and you are beyond thrilled. After the initial excitement wears off, you think, "What do I do next?" For many new leaders, this moment of realization can be overwhelming. You had expected great things to happen when you reached your goal of becoming a  manager, and now that you have been given the responsibility to lead a team, the weight of these decisions begins to sink in.  

I remember when I started my first management position. A Senior Leadership team member gave me a book on delegating tasks, assuring me that it would greatly benefit me in my new position. I may have  glanced at a few pages, but I knew there had to be more to it than reading through a few pages of a book that would help me develop new leadership skills. I had to hit the ground running and never seemed to have the time to complete or search for training courses. While I eventually developed many on-the-job skills in the operational aspects of my profession, I had a steep learning curve. I could have benefited from basic leadership development opportunities early in my career. Effective leadership goes beyond managing day-to-day tasks and logistics; it requires strategic thinking and a deep understanding of your team’s needs. To be a successful leader, it is essential to invest in leadership skills development and foundational training. 

It wasn’t until I started working at go2HR, BC’s Human Resources and Health & Safety Association for the Tourism & Hospitality industry, that I truly realized how many valuable tools exist to support professionals  on their adventure. Because let’s be honest, stepping into a leadership role is a wild ride full of excitement,  challenges, and continuous learning. 

Among the many training courses we offer, one I wish I had access to earlier in my career is the Supervisor Training Course. Developed by Emerit under the Supervisor National Occupational Standards in  partnership with Tourism HR Canada, this program has been specifically created for the Tourism &  Hospitality industry to provide foundational training for supervisors or leaders to develop their skills and  knowledge. With eight self-paced modules, each taking approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete, participants can explore key topics such as Developing your Leadership, Managing your Team, Overseeing Finances, Ensuring Effective Communication, Managing Operations, and Compliance, Safety, and Security. 

Thinking back, I was fortunate to have worked with some amazing leaders, some of who have been  unforgettable mentors to me. In turn, I have taken that knowledge and paid it forward by mentoring others  who were just starting in their profession. However, not everyone can say they have crossed paths with  that perfect mentor or have had the opportunity to work with that inspirational leader who motivates them to take the next big step in their career. That’s why I encourage you to consider applying for the WORTH Mentorship Program. Whether you are looking to be mentored or be a mentor to someone else, this program provides you with an opportunity to build meaningful connections. 

Becoming a successful leader doesn’t happen quickly and requires ongoing development, commitment, and a willingness to learn and grow. Successful leaders continually seek out opportunities to learn. 

Investing in leadership skills development at any point in your career is a powerful way to set yourself up  for long-term success as a Leader.  

About the Author:
Cindy Conti, CPHR, HR Consultant Vancouver, Coast & Mountains with go2HR, the Human Resources and  Health & Safety Association for BC’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry.