Development, Leadership

The Power of Teamwork in the Hotel Industry

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When it comes to providing exceptional service to guests, the hotel industry relies on the power of teamwork. From the moment a guest books their stay to the moment they check out, the staff at a hotel plays a crucial role in ensuring that their experience is memorable. And while individual employees may have their own areas of expertise, it’s the collaborative efforts of a team that truly make a hotel run like a well-oiled machine.

But why is teamwork so important in the hotel industry? Here are a few reasons:

  • Improved guest experience: When employees work together as a team, they are able to provide a better guest experience. I’ve seen firsthand how a team of front desk employees who communicate effectively and work together to resolve guest issues results in happy guests who are more likely to return to the hotel.

  • Increased productivity: When employees work together as a team, they are able to accomplish more than they would individually.

  • Better problem-solving: Teams are able to come up with more creative solutions to problems than individuals. When employees from different departments worked together to solve a difficult guest complaint, they came up with an innovative solution that not only satisfied the guest but also improved our hotel’s overall service.

  • Enhanced employee morale: When employees feel like they are part of a team and their contributions are valued, they are more motivated and satisfied with their job. When employees feel that they are part of a team and are recognized for their hard work, they are more motivated to continue to provide excellent service to our guests.

  • Cost savings: Teams can work together to identify areas where cost savings can be made.

So, how can hotel management foster a culture of teamwork within their organization? Here are a few tips:

  • Clearly define roles and responsibilities: Make sure each team member knows their role and what is expected of them. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.

  • Encourage open communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. This helps to build trust and fosters a sense of collaboration.

  • Lead by example: Hotel management should model the behavior they expect from their team members and foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration.

  • Recognize and reward teamwork: Recognize and reward team members for their contributions to the team’s success. This helps to build a sense of pride and ownership among team members, which can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

  • Provide opportunities for training and development: Invest in your team members by providing them with opportunities for training and development. This helps to build a skilled and motivated team that is better equipped to work together effectively.

  • Celebrate successes: Take the time to celebrate the team’s successes, big or small. This helps to build a sense of camaraderie and promotes a positive work environment.

  • Encourage feedback and suggestions: Encourage team members to give feedback and suggestions on how to improve teamwork. And act on that feedback, this can help identify and solve issues that might be hindering teamwork.

In conclusion, teamwork is essential for the smooth operation and success of any hotel. By fostering open communication, a positive work environment, and opportunities for team-building, hotel management can create a culture of collaboration that benefits both the hotel and its guests.

Development, How To

The Importance of Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

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When I first started working in the hospitality industry almost 20 years ago, I didn’t fully understand the importance of sustainability. I thought of it as something that was nice to have, but not essential. But over time, I’ve come to realize that sustainability is not only important for the environment, but also for the success of a hotel or resort.

I remember one instance when I was working as a front desk agent, I had a guest who asked me about our recycling and sustainability programs. At the time, we didn’t fully embrace sustainability yet, and I remember feeling embarrassed and not knowing how to respond. But it made me realize that more and more guests are becoming environmentally conscious, and it’s important for hotels and resorts to have sustainable practices in place.

Since then, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits that sustainability can bring to a hotel or resort. For example, one hotel I worked at implemented a linen and towel reuse program, which not only helped to conserve water and energy, but also helped to reduce operating costs. Another hotel I worked at installed energy-efficient lighting and appliances, which not only helped to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, but also helped to lower the hotel’s utility bills.

Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in the hospitality industry in recent years. As more and more travelers are becoming environmentally conscious, hotels and resorts are being pressured to adopt sustainable practices. But why is sustainability important in the hospitality industry and how can hotels and resorts incorporate it into their business?

First and foremost, sustainability is important because it’s the right thing to do. The hospitality industry has a significant impact on the environment, and it’s our responsibility to minimize that impact as much as possible. This includes things like reducing energy and water consumption, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and properly managing waste.

Incorporating sustainability into a hotel or resort can also have financial benefits. By reducing energy and water consumption, hotels can save money on utility bills. In addition, many hotels are finding that guests are willing to pay more for sustainable accommodations. A survey by Booking.com found that 84% of travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, and 61% of travelers said that they would choose a sustainable hotel over a non-sustainable one.

Sustainability also helps hotels and resorts to differentiate themselves from their competitors. As more and more travelers are looking for sustainable options, hotels that can demonstrate their commitment to the environment can attract environmentally conscious guests. In a survey by TripAdvisor, 72% of travelers said that they would choose a hotel with a strong environmental reputation over one without.

There are many ways hotels and resorts can incorporate sustainability into their business. Some examples include:

  • Installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances: This can help to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
  • Implementing recycling programs: This can help to reduce waste and minimize the hotel’s impact on the environment.
  • Using eco-friendly cleaning products: This can help to reduce the hotel’s chemical footprint and minimize the impact on indoor air quality.
  • Implementing linen and towel reuse program: This can help to conserve water and energy and reduce operating costs.
  • Offering sustainable transportation options: This can include things like offering electric car charging stations or providing bicycles for guests to use.
  • Offering sustainable food options: This can include things like sourcing local and organic food, or offering plant-based options.
  • Offering sustainable activities: This can include things like eco-tours, or providing information on sustainable things to do and see in the area.

In conclusion, sustainability is not only important for the environment, but also for the bottom line of hotels and resorts. By incorporating sustainable practices and offering sustainable options, hotels and resorts can attract environmentally conscious guests, save money on utility bills, and differentiate themselves from their competitors. It’s important for hotels and resorts to understand the importance of sustainability and to implement sustainable practices to minimize their impact on the environment and create a better experience for their guests.

Development, Uncategorized

Why Setting Goals is the Best Thing Ever

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It’s a new year, and you know what that means – it’s time to set some goals! Goal setting might seem like a drag, but trust me, it’s actually super exciting (and totally worth it). When you set goals, you’re basically creating a roadmap for your life. You get to decide where you want to go and what you want to achieve, and then you get to work towards making it happen. How cool is that?

But setting goals isn’t just about dreaming big. It’s also about being smart about it. That’s why you’ve probably heard of SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are the five key elements of any good goal, and they help you turn your big dreams into a concrete plan of action.

So, what kind of goals should you set? That’s totally up to you! You can set personal goals, professional goals, short-term goals, long-term goals, or a mix of all of the above. The important thing is that your goals are meaningful to you and align with your values and priorities.

Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to get to work. That’s where the real fun begins! Sure, there will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but that’s all part of the journey. When you overcome those challenges and achieve your goals, it’s a feeling like no other. So don’t be afraid to celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way. Whether it’s something as simple as treating yourself to a small reward or sharing your progress with a friend or colleague, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the progress you’re making.

Goal setting isn’t just important for individuals, it’s also crucial for leaders and teams. When everyone on a team has a clear understanding of their goals and how they contribute to the overall goals of the organization, it can improve teamwork, communication, and productivity. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be part of a successful team?

So, as the new year begins, take some time to think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. And don’t be afraid to dream big! Setting goals is the first step towards making your dreams a reality. And remember, it’s not just about achieving your goals – it’s about enjoying the journey and celebrating your progress along the way.

Development, Leadership

IF you want to be a leader…

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start with taking ownership and adopting a growth mindset!

Most people with whom I worked with in my career wanted to get ahead and become a leader.

However, many expected this to somewhat automatically happen to them. If they would just work long enough in their position and become more senior, getting promoted would then eventually just be inevitable and others would look at them as leaders, right?

You probably already know the answer!

If you want to be a leader, you have to first take full ownership of what happens to you and adopt a growth mindset:

Continue reading IF you want to be a leader… →

Development

Feeling like you’re out of energy?

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You’re feeling like you’re out of energy, and working everyday from early mornings to late evenings just doesn’t seem to make any sense any more? You’re probably not alone, and it’s important to know that you can do something about this. Here are my top 5 tips to get your energy back! Continue reading Feeling like you’re out of energy? →
Development, How To

Forget about work-life balance!

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Forget about work-life balance in its traditional sense! Work-life balance in its traditional 9 to 5 sense is gone and a relic of the past. Does anyone really work from 9 am to 5 pm Monday’s to Friday’s anymore? I doubt it, and definitely not in hospitality!

Work-life balance has changed, and it’s important to understand how and why it changed, and how you need to adjust your understanding of it to stay happy and content with your everyday life.

Work-life balance should be measured by how happy you are, and how much energy you have for what matters most to you. If you love what you do, and if you are passionate about what you do, you never have to work a single day in your life. You probably heard this before, and while this statement is a bit of a stretch, there definitely is truth to it.

If you love what you do, you will feel energized and happy, if you don’t love what you do, every task is a burden and work can be very draining… and if work is draining, then work-life balance in it’s traditionial 9 to 5 sense is very necessary to stay happy and healthy. Continue reading Forget about work-life balance! →

Development

Why you should start a career with W Bangkok!

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Why you should start a career with W Bangkok when there are so many other options in Bangkok with many new exciting hotel projects coming up every year?

When I first started this blog I talked about why you should start a career in hospitality to begin with. It’s a journey that’s challenging, but always exciting! Every day is different, you gain many experiences in different departments, and the best part… it’s all about people! And not to forget, you get to travel the world, if you choose to do so.

Now I want to talk about why you should choose a career with W Bangkok over any other hotel in the city.

More and more hotels are opening up in Bangkok each year, and graduates have more and more options to choose from. But not all options, as exciting as they may look at first, will help you build the right foundation for your career. Continue reading Why you should start a career with W Bangkok! →

Leadership

Are You Really Productive or Just Always Busy?

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Working in hotels now for my entire career, I have worked together with many talented people who simply spent too many hours at the hotel trying to get things done – I am talking 16 hours every day. Granted, if you choose a career in hospitality, you’ll always have a somewhat interesting schedule, need to be flexible with shifts and days-off, and work extra hours, but to what extend are those extra hours every day really necessary, and when do we stop being productive?

Busy does not equal productive, and you’ll find that most people who are trying to add too many things to their to-do list and because of it work too many hours, actually accomplish less. They’re also more likely to get drained and run out of passion, and cannot be at their best anymore when it really matters. Continue reading Are You Really Productive or Just Always Busy? →

Leadership

Looking for a Career in Hotel Management? The #1 Most Important Thing Recruiters are Looking for Now is…

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…PATIENCE!

When I started my journey in hospitality I was told that experience was the most important thing necessary to have a successful career in hotel management, and that I had to learn as much as possible in as many areas of the hotel as possible so that I would become a well-rounded hotel professional later and could then share my experience with others.

Continue reading Looking for a Career in Hotel Management? The #1 Most Important Thing Recruiters are Looking for Now is… →

Leadership

How to Manage Millennials

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Managing Millennials isn’t easy and there’s no magic trick. It takes commitment of us as leaders and requires us to be the best we can be. If we want to continue to be relevant as leaders we don’t really have a choice, the world around us is changing and we have to as well.

Continue reading How to Manage Millennials →

Leadership

The 101 Of Operations

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Every good company with a winning culture has a mission statement. In my case the hotel company has a mission statement, each brand has one, and even each individual property. Why are mission statements so important? Well, they set guidelines for you and your employees and guarantee that everyone is aligned and looking in the same direction.

The simplest example of a mission statement is ‘do what’s right’, and yet it’s so powerful as it touches every decision you make and every course of action that you take.

hotel-bristol

Continue reading The 101 Of Operations →

Leadership, New York City, union

It Is Not The Union’s Fault!

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I left New York over a year ago, and it’s a good time to revisit some of my memories of how it was working in the city and how I now feel about the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

I worked in New York from 2007 to 2008 as floor supervisor and with that as a member of the union, and again from 2009 to 2015 as  housekeeping manager, and most recently as director of housekeeping with a unionized team of almost 200 employees.

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So with over six years experience in a heavily unionized environment most would be surprised for me not blaming the union for hotels not performing up to standard. And yes, it’s been over a year now since I left New York and I probably forgot some of the more painful and disheartening experiences. This is how our memory works, right? We tend to remember mostly the positive.

But I do know that I have witnessed plenty of not so pretty arguments and have seen people at their worst behavior, but I have learned as well what’s right and wrong, and I did learn that the union teaches you to be a better manager and leader. If you want to make it as a manager in New York, you have to learn how to lead your team, how to get your employees to follow you because they want to believe in you, what you stand for and trying to accomplish, and not because of your title. In a unionized environment, I learned that titles don’t stand for much, and respect needs to be earned. At the end of the day it’s a people’s business, and if you lead with respect and integrity, care about your people, their dreams and goals, they will follow your dreams and goals in return.

I believe that the union is in theory a great thing. It gives the employee rights and benefits, and protects them of bad management. Now we know that in reality things tend to be somewhat different. Most managers aren’t that bad, and neither are the union or its members. You will find people on both sides not doing what they are supposed to do, managers who never learned how to lead their teams, and some union members who try to cut corners and get by with investing the least amount of efforts possible because they have lost their trust and confidence in the leadership of the property.

In most establishments the union created an environment of entitlement with employees as well as managers having lost their passion along the way blaming each other for who they became. Why? Well, it is so much easier and comfortable to play the victim role and blame others – and that goes for both sides… both blaming each other. Taking responsibility is more painful and you would be on your own.

I also believe that there always needs to be a balance to things, and it doesn’t matter if you are working in unionized settings or not, you will always find another set of challenges and opportunities.

Now having worked in Thailand for the past year with an unemployment rate below one percent, hoteliers have another challenge to deal with. While you can always attract energetic and passionate graduates to join your team, turnover is a lot higher and job hopping is the norm as people can always get another job somewhere else within a heartbeat. Because of the higher turnover employees are sometimes less experienced and skilled than in a unionized environment. Where your leadership efforts in New York need to be focused a lot on motivation and guidance to do what your employees know they should do and how to, in Bangkok you’ll need to focus more on training the essentials of customer service and do your best in growing your employees that they believe in you not just offering them a job, but a career.

I am sure that many managers in New York reading this,  are probably wondering, if I indeed forgot all the draining union negotiations that I can write this… but how many managers do really care enough to step out of their comfort zone and try to coach their employees that are perceived to be more difficult on how to improve and reach their potential  – I know that most do not – it is simple easier to blame other or the union. I strongly believe that most people want to do a good job, and would want to have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

What a refreshing thought to take responsibility for our actions and own opportunities without trying to shift blame or pass the buck – that’s the kind of leader I want to work for.

If you enjoyed reading this post please don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for the newest posts and updates!

Guest Relations, Guest Services

Personalized Guest Service So Simple

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I started working in hotels in 2004 and still can remember my first mystery shop. The overall results of the inspection were ok, but unfortunately we missed out on a couple of points because not all of our associates used the guest name consistently. Over the years this standard became increasingly important and you could not pass an inspection anymore without using the guest name at least twice during every interaction – even if everything else was perfect there was no passing without usage of guest name. Continue reading Personalized Guest Service So Simple →

Leadership

All the Motivation You Need to Finish the Year!

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I know how you feel… it is the beginning of December, you have had a pretty busy and challenging eleven months behind you, and you are on the right track, but it feels like you have yet to accomplish so much to successfully finish the year.  I mentioned in my previous post The Only Way to Succeed that ‘success does not come without efforts and suffering, success comes with sweat, blood and tears – victory then tastes so much better’, and this is true whenever you want to accomplish something that’s great, and not accept average.

With final projects pending and waiting to be completed before the end of the year, you will need to put in all the energy for one more push to succeed. But where should you get the motivation from?

… nothing is more motivating than Al Pacino’s speech in ‘Any Given Sunday’ – enjoy watching

If you enjoyed reading this post please don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for the newest posts and updates!

 

Leadership

The Only Way To Succeed

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The most important thing that I have ever learned in my career is that it is all about having the right attitude and giving your best every day and at every turn – nothing can replace that.

Manuel Martinez

Frankly you can be the most talented, skilled and knowledgeable professional, but if you are not willing to leave your sweat, blood and tears on the floor for it, you will not succeed… and even if you are the hardest working person in the industry, you might still not succeed. The secret ingredient to success is, to not only work hard but also to believe that anything is possible and to make everyone else around you believe that as well. Continue reading The Only Way To Succeed →

Leadership

My Amazing Thailand

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I moved to Bangkok together with my wife at the beginning of this year and fell in love with the land of smiles immediately. Thailand is a beautiful country, and Bangkok is a great city, but it’s really the Thai people who make all the difference and make Thailand so popular for tourism.

I love Bangkok… except maybe the heat and the traffic. No kidding! The traffic can be so bad that when you’re in a hurry it’s probably better to walk than to take a car. Taxi and Tuk Tuk drivers have a reputation of always trying to negotiate a couple of dollars more from foreigners than they would normally charge a local.

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And here, my story that deepens my love and respect to Thailand and its people. Continue reading My Amazing Thailand →

How To, Leadership

Do You Have The Right Attitude For Success?

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While I was responsible for smaller teams before my first real management position was as Assistant Housekeeping Manager in New York. I didn’t know much about management, let alone leadership at this point. I was very good at what I was doing and knew exactly how things had to get done the right way, but I didn’t know yet how to lead people or how to create a successful culture.

The unionized environment in New York is an environment of entitlement, and many discussions evolve around who is right, who is wrong, whose job it is, whose fault it is, and of course most importantly who is to blame. As a manager you’ll find yourself involved into these discussions of whose job it is and whose fault it is a lot, if you like it or not you’ll get sucked right into it.

Successful-vs-Unsuccessful-people

Continue reading Do You Have The Right Attitude For Success? →

Leadership

What Working With The Union Taught Me About Leadership

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I have been working in New York City in a heavily unionized environment for over six years, and while I always appreciated how much I learned because of it along the way, having transferred to Asia recently, I only understand now how much I really got out of this experience.

When conducting orientation days for new-hires in New York, I was always talking about the challenges that come with working in a five stars & five diamonds property in New York. The high expectations towards service excellence and product quality from your guests, the financial expectations from your management company or ownership, the stressful dynamics that we love so much about New York, and the limitations of working in unionized settings. I used to quote Frank Sinatra in saying ‘if you can make it as a manager at a hotel in New York, you probably can make it anywhere’… and I really meant it. I have worked with so many talented and skilled managers that did not make it New York, lost their passion and enthusiasm, and eventually gave up – they either didn’t try to change anything anymore and tried their best to hold on to the status quo, or resigned their assignment and left without a success story.

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Continue reading What Working With The Union Taught Me About Leadership →

Leadership

Build A Team of A Players!

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Steve Jobs stated in ‘The Lost Interview’ that to be truly successful and accomplish something great together you need to build a team of A players and should not settle for B or C players.

chalkboard_quotes_jobs

This is true for any industry, but especially for hospitality. Receiving average service from an associate who is not passionate and doesn’t seem to care, and experiencing service from someone who sincerely cares about you and about providing excellent service, makes all the difference for you, and how successful the hotel can be. Continue reading Build A Team of A Players! →

Guest Services

W Hotels And The Modern Butler Service

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WhateverWhenever is not only a department of W Hotels that handles guest requests amongst many other tasks, it is also a mindset and service philosophy. Whatever you want, whenever you want it (just as long as it’s legal and moral).

Isn’t that pretty much what a butler is doing? Does a butler need to wear a tuxedo, white gloves, and a bow tie, or is it a mindset, a service attitude that butlers service stands for? Continue reading W Hotels And The Modern Butler Service →

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