In a people-pleasing field like hospitality, not every personality type will be an ideal fit as an employee.

And while some folks have very gracious genes, this isn’t the only strong suit needed to thrive in such a competitive industry.

For hotel management positions, being open and honest is a bonus, according to Michael Oshins, Ed.D., MPS, associate professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. It is also helpful to be self-learning, self-confident, passionate, and analytical in thinking.

On your way up the ranks, there are other characteristics that will support you along your rise. Read on for expert advice on the top traits for those in hospitality careers from Suzanne Markham-Bagnera, PhD, clinical assistant professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration.

Attitude. “You need to have the right attitude for this industry. It is a service industry, after all, so you must put the needs of others before your own.”

Passion. “You have to love what you do. You have to live and breathe service. I used to ‘bleed’ the color of the hotel chain that I worked for. That passion will bleed out of you toward your employees, co-workers, and guests.”

Team Player. “There is no ’I’ in team, you can’t run a hotel or restaurant alone, it takes a team of people. Being able to come together and help each other when it’s busy so that there is no impact to the service experience the guest has encountered is key to being successful.”

Organized/Detail-oriented. “Ability to follow through is connected to using your word to develop trust. If you say you are going to do something, then you need to do it. Find a way to be organized so that you remember what you volunteered to do. Stay on top of, or ahead of deadlines, so that when something happens to derail you, you won’t fall off the track, rather it’s just a small halt in the path.”

Flexible. “Life can be crazy as can this industry. I love the fact that not one day is the same as the next. However, this does require that you be flexible and adjust your schedule or ways of doing things. Looking at things from a different point of view. The ability to adapt to situations is key to success.”

If you need help remembering how to S.P.A.R.K.L.E., read on…

S.P.A.R.K.L.E. means:

Self-confident, smart, self-starter, service-minded, smile

Positive attitude, perceptive, personable

Attentive, assertive, active, alert, animated, amusing

Responsible, rule-breaker, risk-taker, respected, ready for a challenge, reliable

Kind, knowledgeable

Lively, likable, leader, light-hearted

Enthusiastic, energetic, efficient