The Power of Influence (How Leaders Can Be Everyday Mentors)

Earlier this month at the CMAA World Conference, as well as top notch education, amazing relationships were rekindled, and new ones were formed. What an experience!

One young leader recently shared the story of his 2025 conference experience. It was his first time. It was amazing. It was overwhelming. It was extraordinary. He found himself at a networking party of about 2000 club professionals. Without his manager, he was on his own. A young leader in his twenties by himself in a crowd of incredible talent and personalities. Daunting. Rather than stand alone, he mustered up the courage to walk over to a manager and introduce himself. As it turns out, he couldn’t have selected a better manager in the sea of professionals. She warmly introduced herself, seized the opportunity, and guided him on what became the highlight of his first conference. She introduced him to managers from places he dreamed of. She paid attention, and she gave him the respect he deserved. She included him in conversations and made him feel part of the special community.

He was in awe. A game-changer for sure.

She didn’t have to do that. She could have introduced herself and wished him a great first conference and walked away. But she didn’t.

When I told her the story of this young man’s experience, she was moved. With her head held briefly in her hands, she realized the impact she had on this young leader. It wasn’t about her at all, as she applauded his courage and his genuine engagement and conversation skills with others. She was extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to be a guide, and to learn from him. Most interestingly, it was not an extra effort for her, it was truly who she is—it was the brilliance of human kindness and the power of people who really care.

We are always making a difference. The question is, what kind of a difference are we making? Are we elevating others, or are we diminishing them? Do we wait for formal mentoring opportunities to extend ourselves to guide others, or is it simple who we “be”?

When we think of mentoring, we often picture structured programs with scheduled meetings, defined goals, and formal relationships. Those programs are fantastic, and they have a huge impact on any industry. However, some of the most impactful mentoring happens organically—through everyday interactions, coaching moments, and shifting our thinking.

1. Own Your Leadership
   As coaches we often encourage leaders to “own it”:  To own their title (no matter what it is), to own where they are in their career path and journey, to own their skills, gifts and shortcomings, and to own that they are a leader – always. Understand that each one of us has the opportunity to influence others. It starts with how we think and feel about ourselves. Own your right to be a leader and to impact others.
   
   
2. Lead by Example
   I am reminded of a quote from 2010 Olympic Games CEO, John Furlong: “They are always watching. Sometimes they want to be like us, and sometimes they want to be us.” He explained that others would always watch how he conducted himself—in the boardroom, at the water cooler, and anywhere in the public. Always.
   
   In hospitality, actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s how we dress, treat each other, or maintain a positive attitude during busy shifts, our standards speak loudly. We are always setting the tone and conveying a message. At a conference, we set an example every time we show up, or don’t show up. Hold up the mirror. What example do you set for others? How could you raise your personal standards?
   
   
3. Engage in Reverse Mentoring
   Mentorship isn’t just about top-down guidance—leaders can also learn from their team and from others with any title. Choose someone younger than you with less experience - engage with a reverse mentor. Stay current and relevant. Learn from them. Gather their ideas on member experience, marketing, digital tools. Have them teach you about influencing team members of different generations. You get the idea. If the student is ready, the teacher will appear, regardless of age or position. We often pride ourselves on being continuous learners. If so, it will not matter who we learn from.
   
   Great hospitality leaders know that mentorship is not confined to an official program. It’s embedded in the way they live, lead, train, and inspire others every day. It is who they are at work, at a conference, and beyond.

Remember: You are a difference-maker!