Tim Osborne is the State Manager for the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group [ALH] in Western Australia, overseeing the operations and running of 29 leading West Australian hospitality and entertainment venues. Tim’s philosophy is business growth through people. Dynamic, with an entrepreneurial edge, Tim’s passion is all things hospitality….and people!

Spending time with.... Tim Osborne

Leadership

What are the most important traits that every leader should possess?

I think it is critical that a leader defines their vision and strategy and that they clearly communicate this to their team; outlining the direction that they want them to go in. A leader should give praise and encouragement for every win and critical milestone achieved and must be there to console and inspire when the team hits a challenge or a hurdle. Investing in your people and developing them is the most important focus for any leader.

Moments in time

What are the two most pivotal moments in your career that you either learned from or got you where you are today?

The first one occurred when I was 19. I was studying to be an accountant and had a job at a local hotel as a glassie. After undertaking work experience with an accounting firm I soon recognised that the dynamic environment that is hospitality was for me and I have never looked back! Creating and delivering unforgettable hospitality experiences for people has driven me ever since.

The second pivotal moment occurred when I achieved success as a Venue Manager and decided to revisit my personal goals. I wanted to challenge myself to demonstrate my capability to be an Operations Manager within the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group [ALH Group]. As a proven and successful Venue Manager, the next step was to transition to overseeing numerous venues. With hard work and my determination to make an impact, I succeeded.

Creativity and Motivation

How do you encourage creative thinking within your organisation?

I believe in the power of mindful questioning. I am always engaging with my team to challenge their thought process around innovation. What are they doing to take ordinary to extra-ordinary? When teams openly discuss and engage in collaborative dialogue new concepts evolve. You never want to be seen as a copycat. For a business to thrive you need to investigate new ways of doing things. Keeping informed on global advancements is a must.

How do you motivate your team?

Clear, honest feedback. It sounds simple, but it’s essential. You need to engage with your team to let them know exactly how they are doing. Celebrate or commiserate with them; but keep talking. The number one motivator of people is clear, honest communication.

Your advice

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Define your vision, have a clear path and ensure that everyone understands where you are going. Take the time and the effort to get your team on board. Communicate with your team constantly. Break things down into small chunks, set and achieve small targets and celebrate the success with them. Keep challenging, growing and investing in people; without them you go nowhere fast. Be persistent; never give up!  

Growing yourself

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I constantly revisit and evaluate my personal and professional goals. I assess our competitors and their product with the view to evoking growth and difference in our business. I am fortunate to have several mentors who are great sounding boards and work with an executive coach to continue to expand and develop my leadership skills.

Do you have a mentor? If so, what traits are you seeking in a mentor and why?

Whilst I don’t have a formal mentor at the moment, I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by motivated individuals on a daily basis who constantly force me to challenge my thinking. In looking for a mentor I think you need to find someone who has the capability to encourage you to reach your full potential. Someone who is committed to speaking the truth and is invested in seeing you transform..

Lifestyle

How do you start and end your day?

My wife and I start each day at the gym; I find this puts me in the right mindset. My evening ritual is to allocate an hour to ensure tomorrow is thoughtfully planned and that there are no ‘loose ends’ to the current day. I find the last hours of the day my most productive for emails as I like to spend the majority of the day engaging with my team.

What's the most exciting thing you have done over the past year?

Personally, marrying my beautiful wife was the highlight. Professionally, moving to WA to oversee 29 venues within the ALH Group has been exciting and challenging.

WHAT's left on your bucket list that you are dying to do?

Own and operate my own hospitality venture! Some may call me mad, but hospitality is my true passion!