CEOs and other senior executives from leading hospitality companies and professors from the Cornell Hotel School…
CEOs and other senior executives from leading hospitality companies and professors from the Cornell Hotel School gathered recently to take part in the School’s first roundtable on leadership. Sponsored by the School’s Center for Hospitality Research, the event provided a forum to explore the many facets of a personal attribute often studied but never quite fully understood.
In the opening session participants sought to define leadership and the extent to which it can be measured. A second session focused on the need to develop and retain leaders in hospitality, viewed by some as a relatively mature service industry. Another discussion centered on the challenges leaders face in instilling trust in employees and maintaining that trust during periods of rapid change. In the final session, participants debated how leaders can best create and sustain a culture in which employees maintain an emotional commitment to both the company and its service delivery.
The roundtable attracted a diverse group who shared provocative views on how leadership is practiced by different sectors of the industry, said Bill Eaton, president & COO, Cini-Little International, Inc. ,Much of the discussion centered on how each sector can enhance or improve its own style, which I found extremely beneficial.
2005 CHR Leadership Roundtable Attendees from left to right:
Ted Teng, former CEO, Wyndham International; and Michael O`Donovan, Vice President Global Research and Development, Dunkin` Brands.
Roundtable participants included James C. Allen, Executive VP/General Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of New York; Professor Judi Brownell, Cornell Hotel School; Professor Steve Carvell, Cornell Hotel School; William Eaton, President & COO, Cini-Little International, Inc; Professor Cathy Enz, Cornell Hotel School; Robert Fox, Vice President of Human Resources, Carlson Hotels Worldwide; Charles Henry, President, Hotel Capital Advisers, Inc.; Professor Timothy Hinkin, Cornell Hotel School; Michael Johnson, Dean-elect, Cornell Hotel School; Professor Arturs Kalnins, Cornell Hotel School; Professor and Interim Dean Sherri Kimes, Cornell Hotel School; Joseph Lavin, CEO, Harborstone Hospitality; Mark V. Lomanno, President, Smith Travel Research; Roger C. Mayer, Professor, University of Akron; Michael O’Donovan, Vice President of Global Research & Development, Dunkin’ Brands; Leland Pillsbury, Co-Chairman & CEO, Thayer Lodging Group, Inc; Robert E. Rich; Organizational Consultant, Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations;Professor Grant Savage, University of Alabama; Robert R. Schiller, President & COO, Armor Holdings; Professor Dave Sherwyn, Cornell Hotel School; John N. Simons, former President & CEO, Swift International; Professor Tony Simons, Cornell Hotel School; Joseph Strodel, Jr., Managing Director, Cornell Center for Hospitality Research; Professor Michael Sturman, Cornell Hotel School; Ted Teng, former President & COO, Wyndham International; Professor Gary Thompson, Cornell Hotel School, Professor Bruce Tracey, Cornell Hotel School; Professor Kate Walsh, Cornell Hotel School; Steven M. Wells, President, American Food and Vending Company; and Bob Wright, Co-Founder, The Wright Institute for Lifelong Learning.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
