How to become a world-class hotelier

Although the hospitality industry is a booming sector, competition in terms of hospitality management positions is fierce, particularly in luxury settings. Job openings at the top are limited and the candidates applying for these administration spots are highly trained whether you are evaluating entering the hospitality management field or looking for the top in demand skills that employers seek.

First and foremostly the top priority of Hospitality Managers should be that they be highly attuned to details thereby ensuring the best experience possible concerning every guest that walks in. For this requirement to be fulfilled you need to be hyper vigilant about the slightest detail from top to bottom ranging from fresh seasonal flowers in the hotel lobby to intricately folded napkins on the dining table to the efficient check- in and check- out process at the front desk.

Secondly you need to be an efficient problem solver, thinking quickly making decisive decisions at the same time responding sensitively to customers as well as queries and concerns of the employers which are the most important job duties of a Hospitality Manager. A sympathetic ear and a genuine effort in fixing an issue goes a long way in preventing a problem which can easily be spread. Also you must be able to anticipate issues and at the same time be prepared with a back- up plan in terms of when things do go wrong which is usually almost on a daily basis! Staying ahead of the competitors depends on how well you come up with

creative solutions and implementing visionary ideas using the tools at your disposal in offering the best service possible.

Thirdly it depends on excellent time management skills. Being a Manager in the hospitality industry requires you to have a more organized, punctual schedule. Yet nevertheless you are often required to work long unusual hours giving up on everything in your personal life to deal with an immediate crisis at any given moment. Not only your flexibility but also adaptability is very important to the fast paced, varying work load where you need to be resourceful in how you handle all your responsibilities.

And then it is time to be a team motivator. You are only strong as the team you lead hence you need to strive in being more than just a Manager. Listening to your staff, implementing their ideas, sharing credit and owning up to your mistakes will command respect and maintain morale. As the Manager you need to be willing to act promptly in getting your job done even when it is well outside the scope of your responsibilities or below your pay grade. When the need arises, you need to take off your suit jacket, roll up to your sleeves and then begin changing sheets, stocking shelves or even carrying luggage. Leading by example teaches your staff that you value hard work and self motivation and that the company’s only goal is to satisfy the customers.

Also it is of primary importance that you focus on creating a dream team of polite and friendly staff, and your customers will be sure to recommend your business to others and come back again.

In hospitality, there are many aspects of business that you might be confronted with, choose carefully which you want to deliver yourself, and which you want to outsource.

And also you need to keep in mind that Hospitality is not an easy industry to crack. With so much of everything, the consumer is often confused with what is on offer. Coming into such a sector with a new product is anything but easy as people already know what they like and what they want. But with a great product, a solid and affable team, and research and experience in the market, you can provide a product and service that has its place in the economy.

And last but not least you need to relate to people of diverse category. Hospitality Managers interact with an internationally diverse group of people. This profession also requires you to engage in working with people of different personalities. You also need to be able to listen to what customers and employers are not saying and watch their reactions. Paying attention to these non-verbal clues will enable you to identify and determine concerns before they escalate into real problems. Anticipating needs of your customers, even before they realize them is the key in making them feel pampered.

Always keep in mind that the secret behind being successful in Hospitality Management requires non-other than ensuring and guaranteeing of customer satisfaction from the moment they walk into your doors until the moment they walk out!