To identify leadership qualities needed in hospitality management, the Test of Attentional & Interpersonal Style (TAIS) was administered to restaurant general
managers (GMs). The TAIS has previously identified high performers among
Olympic athletes, and business and sales professionals.
The GMs rated themselves above average in their ability to concentrate in a
busy environment, to compete, and to interact socially. They compared favorably to
top performers in sales and business and were much more impressive on almost all
dimensions than college students generally. They were similar to but far more
disciplined than hospitality students. Implications for selection and training are
discussed.
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