Why Leaders Should Be Great Hosts

Building Teams Through Welcoming, Respectful, and Attentive Leadership

Leaders Need to Be Great “Hosts”

In today’s world, where bombastic, authoritarian leadership styles often dominate, it’s easy to overlook the power of a more human-centered approach. I’m not referring to social graces or the frequency of events leaders might “host.” Instead, I want to explore a leadership model that has proven effective time and again—one that inspires teams, boosts engagement, and drives performance by focusing on the art of hosting.

Think back to times when you were truly well hosted—dinners, parties, weekend gatherings, or even extended visits. What made those hosts stand out? Certain traits consistently emerged, and I believe these are foundational habits every leader should cultivate.

Welcoming: behaving in a polite or friendly way to a guest or new arrival.

Respectful: feeling or showing deference and respect.

Attentive: paying close attention to something.

These three traits work together to create an environment centered on the “guest”—in this case, your team members. Let’s dive deeper into each trait.

Welcoming: Actions Speak Louder Than Intent

Welcoming leadership is about consistent behavior, not just good intentions. Too often, leaders fail to treat their teams as “welcomed guests” in the enterprise. Yet, this mindset can transform the workplace. A welcoming leader acts with kindness and openness, making every team member feel valued and included. It’s rare, but it’s a powerful way to build trust and belonging.

Respectful: Leadership Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Showing deference and respect is not commonplace in today’s corporate or political landscape. Many leaders mistakenly believe their position entitles them to authority, but reality—and recent trends—prove otherwise. CEO turnover hit a record high in 2025, with 234 departures across tracked global indices, a 16% increase from 2024 and 21% above the eight-year average. Even top-performing firms saw increased turnover, driven by strategic realignment and shareholder pressure. The average tenure dropped to just 7.1 years.

Leaders must remain humble and appreciative—leadership is an honor and a privilege, not a right to be abused.

Attentive: Stay Tuned In to Your Team

Attentiveness means actively listening and observing your team’s needs. Leading through Covid taught me the importance of monitoring the health, well-being, and readiness of my company and direct reports. The challenges were immense, but by staying focused and attentive, we navigated a difficult period with surprising effectiveness.

A Story That Illustrates Host Leadership

Let me share a personal story that brings this concept to life. Over 20 years ago, I worked for a senior executive who had been a Marine lieutenant. At a large team meeting, as lunch was served, I watched him check the buffet lines, ensure there were enough plates and utensils, and personally ask staff to add more cookies to the coffee station. He waited until nearly everyone else had eaten before grabbing his own plate. Later, he explained this practice: in the Marines, he always made sure his platoon was fed and ready before serving himself; every day, every meal, every occasion!  As the leader, his job was to care for the group first.

Conclusion: Build Leadership Habits That Host

Leadership, at its best, is about cultivating habits and actions that make your team feel genuinely hosted—welcomed, respected, and attentively cared for. Find ways in your daily work to embody these traits. When you do, you’ll foster engagement, loyalty, and performance that goes beyond the ordinary.