Succeeding in the hospitality industry relies on three critical factors: hard skills, soft skills and attitude. Le Cordon Bleu can help you develop what you need to succeed in a competitive industry.

Hard competencies are the easiest to learn, and can be gained through classroom environments and professional development. Soft skills are a little more difficult, requiring time, experience and practical application. Your personality traits can determine your success in just about any industry, but it takes a certain kind of attitude to thrive in hospitality.

Defining attitude

While soft skills refers to personal abilities such as time management and problem-solving, attitude relates to the mindset that underpins these skills. It is a predisposition to respond to ideas, objects, people and situations in certain ways and it influences your thoughts and actions.

Your attitude is comprised of three key components:

1. Affective: Your emotional inclinations, such as feelings of fear, love or excitement.
2. Behavioural: Your tendency to take action - how you choose to express your feelings.
3. Cognitive: Your held beliefs, including stereotypes and generalisations.

Why is attitude important for hospitality?

A study from the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University indicates that hospitality managers across all sectors primarily hire for attitude, and secondarily for skills and aptitudes. Attitude traits preferred by senior hospitality managers include:

• Taking personal pride in, and giving priority to, satisfying the needs of others,
• Enjoying working with people over administrative tasks,
• Defining self as empathetic, social and outgoing,
• Preferring challenging and creative work over regimented processes.

How Le Cordon Bleu prepares you for success

Attitude can't be learned like hard or soft skills, but it can be nurtured. Developing the attitude for success in hospitality requires immersion in the industry. Le Cordon Bleu's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme supports students in hospitality placements where they can develop soft skills such as customer service and problem-solving.

Studying with Le Cordon Bleu equips you with the skills and mindset required for career success - and we stay with you as a lifelong learning partner with our alumni network. To begin your hospitality career, contact us today.