“First, let them learn by doing,” adds Steinke. “We learn
the most through experience—not only the successes but
also the mistakes. Provide fair and timely feedback. Encourage
and support them to stretch beyond their comfort zone. Let
them know how much you care. Be there to celebrate the
good and support through the challenging times.”
Like Steinke, Dieutegard stresses the importance of staying
close to the team and being receptive to feedback. “Take good
feedback at heart, and the bad to the head,” he says.
Allow Them to Shine
Taking the right approach to hiring can make all of the
difference between a successful succession and talentspotting operation and one that will breed failure. Sometimes
managers and owners of businesses take what might be called
a “bar hopping” approach to it, by surrounding themselves
with less talented people to make sure they are never
eclipsed. It’s a huge mistake, one that will come back to
haunt an owner or manager in the event of actually needing
reserves in leadership.
“The worst mistake a leader can make is to fear another
will outshine their talents,” says Steinke. “Successful leaders
surround themselves with the best and brightest. It is also a
major misstep to fall into the trap of rewarding promotion by
seniority rather than evaluating the traits needed for the
position. Leaders need to take time to listen and learn from
staff to uncover hidden talents in the workplace.”
Overall, Steinke is optimistic about the next generation of
spa leaders. “Their gra