After training hundreds of stewardesses to become Top-Notch Chief Stews, I have listed the common mistakes I have seen in first-time interior HODs and how to avoid them so you can easily transition.
Mistake 1: Forgetting to develop a management mindset
How to avoid it: You're probably considering stepping up as a Chief Stew or have recently stepped into this role because you're excellent at what you do. You know how to deliver exceptional service, manage the details, and get things done.
But here's the big shift: your new role isn't about how well you perform the tasks anymore; it's about how well you enable your team to perform them.
As a stewardess, your focus is on completing your own tasks to a high standard.
As a Chief Stew, your focus shifts to leading, delegating, training, supporting, and bringing out the best in others so the entire department can succeed.
And that transition can be challenging for first-time Chief Stews. You might feel tempted to take over when something isn't done your way, fix everyone's mistakes, or do everything yourself because you know you can get it done faster.
But that's not leadership; that's a fast track to burnout.
Your success as a Chief Stew is measured by your team's success, not just your individual performance.
When things go wrong, take responsibility, identify what needs to improve, and help your team learn from the experience. When things go well, share the credit and recognize the people who made it happen.
People are more motivated to do their best work when they feel trusted, supported, and appreciated.
Your job isn't to be the person who does everything. It's to become the leader who helps everyone do their best.
Ready to make the shift from being a great stewardess to becoming a confident leader?
My Self-Leadership Course will help you develop the self-awareness, mindset, and leadership skills you need to lead yourself and others more effectively.
Explore the Self-Leadership Course here.
Mistake 2: Not having a Stew Bible in place
How to avoid it: One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a new Chief Stew is trying to manage an entire interior department without a proper system in place.
Your Interior Management System, commonly known as your SOPs or Stew Bible, is the backbone of your department. It sets clear standards, outlines procedures, and ensures everyone understands how things should be done onboard.
Without it, you'll spend too much time answering the same questions, fixing avoidable mistakes, and trying to keep everything organized in your head. And when crew members leave or new stews join, having documented procedures makes training and maintaining consistency so much easier.
Your Stew Bible isn't just a manual; it's a tool that helps you delegate effectively, establish expectations, and lead your team with confidence.
You don't have to create everything from scratch, either!
The Mermaids Kick-Starter Bible (MKSB) includes 90+ digital, editable yacht interior templates and guides to help you build your own Interior Management System while saving hours of work.
Work smarter, set your team up for success, and lead by example from day one. Get your MKSB here.
Mistake 3: Repeating What Previous Chief Stews Have Done, Even When It’s Inefficient
How to avoid it: When stepping into your first Chief Stew role, it's natural to look at how things have been done before and follow the systems already in place. And if something works well, there's no need to reinvent the wheel.
But just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's the best way to do it.
I've seen first-time Chief Stews continue inefficient practices simply because they're unsure how to approach things differently or lack the confidence to introduce their own ideas. The result? Unnecessary stress, frustrated teams, and systems that could be working so much better.
The key is to develop your own leadership style and learn to think critically about the systems you inherit. Ask yourself: Does this actually work? Is there a better way? Does this support my team and the standards we want to deliver?
You don't need to change everything when you step into a new role. Take the time to understand why things are done a certain way, identify what needs improving, and develop the confidence to make thoughtful changes.
This starts with self-leadership: understanding your strengths, recognizing your patterns, and learning to lead with confidence rather than simply following someone else's example.
Ready to develop your leadership skills and build confidence in your role?
Explore the Yachts Mermaids Self-Leadership Mini-Course here.
Mistake 4: Over-compromising
How to avoid it: As a first-time Chief Stew, you might feel the pressure to prove yourself, keep everyone happy, and show that you can handle anything. But being a great leader doesn't mean saying yes to every request from the crew, owners, or guests, especially when it comes at the expense of your mental and physical health.
Learning to set boundaries is part of becoming a confident leader.
Sometimes, saying no, asking for more time, or finding a better solution is exactly what's needed to protect yourself and your team from burnout.
One way to become more aware of your needs and limits is to reconnect with your feminine energy and menstrual cycle.
Understanding the four phases of your cycle can help you recognize changes in your energy, focus, and emotional needs, allowing you to plan your workload, schedule rest where possible, and work with your body rather than constantly pushing against it.
You don't need to sacrifice your well-being to prove you're capable. The goal is to lead in a way that supports both you and your team.
Want to learn how to work with your cycle and create a more sustainable approach to leadership?
Click here to learn more about the Free Productivity Bonus Trainign inside the MKSB!
Mistake 5: Leading From a Frenetic Energy
When you're constantly rushing, worrying about the next task, or trying to keep everything under control, that energy can spill over into your team.
As a leader, you set the tone.
If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or reactive, your team may pick up on it, too.
Before you know it, that frenetic energy can affect communication, teamwork, and the overall guest experience.
So, how do you avoid it? Start by regulating yourself.
Having a self-care routine isn't a luxury; it's part of becoming a better leader.
Meditation, movement, and guided breathing can help you pause, reset, and respond more intentionally instead of reacting to every situation.
And let's be realistic: life onboard doesn't always leave you with an hour for yourself. Sometimes, a few minutes is all you have.
That's why I created the free Reset & Regulate Playlist and Resource Collection for you.
It includes short meditations, breathwork practices, grounding exercises, and nervous-system support tools designed to fit into busy onboard life.
Access your free Reset & Regulate resources here.
Start small. Take a few minutes before you start your day, during your break, after a difficult interaction, or whenever you feel yourself slipping into overwhelm.
You don't need to overhaul your routine; you just need to start creating moments to reset.
And remember, you don't have to figure everything out alone.
If you need more personalized support, working with a coach or therapist can help you develop healthier patterns and build confidence in your leadership.
I've spent over seven years supporting stews in this area, and I'm here if you need a little extra guidance.
Click here to book a private support session with me.
Taking care of yourself isn't separate from being a good leader. It's part of how you lead.
Here is what others are saying about their coaching sessions with me:
"Marién always gives me the tools I need to calm down and come back to myself so that I can be the best leader for my team." -Greta
"My overall mindset has changed for the better, and we have done some critical work unlocking my full potential. It has helped me, not only in my work life but my day-to-day life." -Marcelle
Remember that preparing and investing in yourself is the secret to succeeding in anything you do. Click here to learn more about all the ways I can support you.
