In the high-pressure world of hospitality, performance is non-negotiable—but so is protecting your team from burnout. For Certified Hospitality Professional Alessandro Pasague, the key is balance.
“You need to know when to push and when to pause,” he told Financial Adviser PH. “It’s about being transparent and realistic. I make sure everyone understands our goals and why they matter.”
Pasague, who has spent years leading service teams, says open communication is the foundation of sustainable performance. Setting clear expectations early helps avoid confusion down the line—but it’s equally important to recognize when a team is reaching its limit.
“I listen to my team and recognize when someone is overwhelmed,” he said. “A healthy team is a productive team.”
It’s a leadership lesson learned through experience. Early in his career, Pasague admits he focused heavily on execution—getting tasks done, hitting numbers. But over time, he realized that results without resilience are short-lived.
“Being able to read your team is a leadership instinct that’s just as important as strategy,” he said. He now blends emotional intelligence with goal-setting, creating an environment where people feel supported—but still driven to perform.
He emphasizes that performance management isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about pushing smarter. “Transparency helps. When people know the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing, they’re more likely to give their best,” he added.
In an industry known for long hours and high expectations, Pasague’s approach is refreshingly human. His leadership style shows that building high-performing teams isn’t just about KPIs—it’s about empathy, timing, and trust.
His advice to fellow leaders: “Keep your standards high—but stay human. People don’t burn out because they’re working hard. They burn out because they don’t feel seen.”
Want to lead a team that performs without breaking down? Follow Pasague’s rule: Push when it counts—but always listen first.
