At LeadershipHQ, we’re all about recognising and celebrating what outstanding leadership looks like in practice. Recently, we’ve had the honour of working with one of Brisbane’s best hotels, and the reason they stand out as a true leader in the hospitality space is simple: they invest in their leadership and leaders.

What makes this investment so impactful? It’s the connection between supportive leadership and exceptional service, a concept Simon Sinek perfectly illustrates in his story about Noah, a barista at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.

The Story of Noah: Leadership in Action

In one of his talks, Simon Sinek recounts meeting Noah, who shared how much he genuinely loved his job at the Four Seasons. The reason? A supportive leadership environment. Management regularly checked in with him, asking if he needed anything and genuinely showing care for his well-being. This culture of support inspired Noah to give his best and feel a deep sense of pride in his work.

However, things were different at another hotel where Noah also worked. The leadership focused more on rules and targets than on support and connection, which resulted in Noah feeling less engaged and passionate about his job.

Why Does This Matter?

Sinek’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about achieving business goals—it’s about creating environments where people feel valued, seen, and empowered. When leaders invest in their team members’ well-being, the ripple effect is palpable: exceptional service, higher employee satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater success.

Tips for Fostering a Supportive Leadership Culture

If you want to bring this level of leadership excellence into your organisation, here are some practical tips inspired by the Four Seasons’ approach:

1. Regular Check-Ins: Make it a habit to ask your team members how they’re doing. This isn’t just about workload—check their well-being and ensure they have everything they need to succeed.
2. Create a Safe Environment: Encourage open dialogue where team members feel comfortable sharing feedback, ideas, or concerns. The more psychological safety they feel, the more engaged they’ll be.
3. Recognise and Appreciate: Never underestimate the power of a genuine “thank you.” Celebrate achievements, both big and small, and recognise the effort that goes into delivering excellent work.
4. Invest in Leadership Development: Like our Brisbane hotel, organisations prioritising leadership training create a culture where leaders know how to empower and inspire.
5. Empower Decision-Making: Give your team members the autonomy to make decisions. Trust fosters confidence, and confidence translates to exceptional performance.
6. Be Present and Engaged: Leadership isn’t about being behind a desk all day. Take the time to connect with your team, be visible, and lead by example.

Ready to Level Up Your Leadership?

Working with this top Brisbane hotel has reaffirmed for us the immense impact outstanding leadership can have—not just on performance but on the entire culture of an organization. Invest in your leaders if you’re ready to make a difference in your team. Because excellent service isn’t just about process—it’s about people.

Watch Simon Sinek’s talk about Noah here and reflect on how you can apply these principles in your workplace.