Leadership That Opens Doors
How Servant Leadership Creates Opportunities for Growth and Empowers Others to Succeed
Leadership begins with serving the people we lead. It is more than assigning tasks, setting expectations, or achieving results. It is a commitment to helping others grow, develop their abilities, and see possibilities for themselves. Effective leaders create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and supported—where they can ask questions, share ideas, and learn from mistakes without fear of humiliation.
Growth requires opportunity. Too often, people are expected to have experience before anyone is willing to give them a chance to gain it. If we never open the door to an entry-level role, a new responsibility, or a challenging assignment, how can we expect someone to develop? Every experienced professional started somewhere. Someone offered them a chance, trusted their potential, or guided them through those early steps.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to make a way for others. This means recognizing potential, removing unnecessary barriers, and creating meaningful opportunities to learn and advance. It also means providing the guidance, resources, and honest feedback people need to succeed. Giving someone an opportunity is only the beginning; helping them make the most of it is part of our responsibility.
Listening and empathy are essential to this work. Each person brings different strengths, experiences, challenges, and aspirations. When we take the time to understand them, we can offer support that meets their needs. Sometimes that support is encouragement. Sometimes it is coaching, a clear expectation, or a conversation about what needs to improve. Leading with empathy means holding people accountable while treating them with dignity.
Our impact as leaders is reflected in the people we help move forward. When we build confidence, create opportunities, and support development, we prepare others to take on greater responsibilities and eventually open doors for someone else. Leadership leaves a lasting mark when the people we serve are better equipped to grow, succeed, and lead in their own right.
Victoria Penaranda is an Area Director of People Support at HHM Hotels with 12 years of HR and hospitality experience. Originally from Colombia with a J.D. from University of Atlántico, she transitioned from attorney to hospitality HR leadership at Hilton, Aramark, and Hyatt. Victoria specializes in employee engagement, strategic planning, and people development while actively mentoring and volunteering in her…
