Inspiring Change at the HBAA ‘Future Vision’ Forum

The HBAA is a trade association that represents the collective interest of the parties involved in the procurement and management of conference, meetings and accommodation in the UK and internationally and represents buying power of £2.3bn through its members. So we were thrilled when Real World Group Chief Executive, Professor Beverly Alimo-Metcalfe was invited to speak at their Annual Forum in Manchester.

The theme of the 2 day conference was ‘Future Vision’. HBAA chair, Juliet Price remarked that “These are unprecedented times and the tough trading climate is not over yet… However, as an industry we lose sight of the longer term at our peril.” For this reason the objective of the event was to share industry and global trends and be inspired by thought leaders such as Beverly. Juliet hoped that delegates would go away with something of value for their business and something of value for individuals.

Held at the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, General Manager David Daly has effectively rejuvenated the hotel which now provides the highest quality of service. A keynote from Paul Simpson from Marketing Manchester set the scene for delegates describing Manchester as the ‘Original Modern City’ with a continuous ‘aspiration for change’ the beating heart of this rejuvenated city.

Beverly presented a keynote urging delegates to consider their notion of leadership and what it is to be a leader. She insisted that Heroic leadership is dead. She maintained that ‘heroic’ leadership is based on the idea that leadership resides in the hands of one particular individual whom others must follow, which creates a sense of dependency. During an inspirational keynote, Beverly shared research data, examined the evidence and reviewed her scientifically proven model of engaging leadership the TLQ. In conclusion Beverly showed that this model of ‘engaging leadership’ is based on leaders working in partnership with those in their teams, ensuring they understand what is expected of them, but also empowering them, valuing their contributions, encouraging their suggestions, and supporting their development. At all times, the leader is mindful of the standards, goals, and quality of the service being delivered, but so also are their staff.

During the presentation the audience provided questions, live, through the Crystal Interactive system – these questions, along with Beverly’s answers, are available here.

Beverly urged the delegates to embrace engagement at an organizational and individual level to harness the full potential of their employees.

Beverly’s Top Tips to Take Away

• Leadership is a contact sport it’s not virtual reality
• Start treating people as human beings not human doings
• Believe that with every pair of hands you get a brain for free

Beverly’s references – extra reading

• CIPD report ‘Shaping Future Engaging Leadership’
• Greenleaf R K (1970).  The Servant as Leader. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Download a PDF document of Beverly’s slides from the event here.

For information on the ‘Benefit You, Benefit Your Business’ promotion, visit out hospitality specific information page here: www.realworld-group.com/missing-piece