Undoubtedly, the hospitality industry is a lucrative one both locally, as well as internationally. Not only does it generate profits for the company owners, but it is also a sector in which the countries themselves can reap financial benefits.
Successful hospitality management is a challenging, all-inclusive profession that requires charisma, skill, drive, and keeping calm when under pressure. This is why Vassallo Group wanted to let you in on what we believe are the 7 key ingredients which contribute to managing the hospitality industry towards success.
1. Having staff with the relevant education and training
Perhaps it’s not such a well-known fact, but hospitality managers tend to be jacks of all trades: driven, hard-working and eager to learn and grow. Both hands-on experience and old-fashioned classroom learning make for successful managers. This is why investing in a manager’s education and his/her knowledge of modern standards and practices of the management industry is vital.
2. Being a leader and an innovator
To become a leader within the industry, acting like a leader is the first step. Get organized; keep a detailed calendar and regular to-do lists. Every task should be tackled in a resourceful manner, aiming to impress. Get noticed.
3. Communication is essential
Many a time, mistakes can often be attributed to miscommunication. This can be minimized by keeping everyone in the loop – from the owner to the newest staff member. The manager needs to be a role model, obliging ear, problem solver, director of time and money. That’s why an ideal manager needs to be able to follow directions, give instructions, address concerns, and explain procedures with confidence.
4. Cultivate a positive work environment
Every company needs to have star employees, so when they’re chosen, treating them well is imperative. Such a team dynamic is built on a mutual respect of the skills and aptitudes of each employee, which in turn inspires the staff to take pride in their work. But sometimes the simplest gestures are the key to building a good rapport with staff.
A smile, compliment and remembering birthdays really goes a long way. Hosting staff parties, penning a personalised staff newsletter, and organising fun in-house, team-building activities make employees feel special and this positive attitude will be reflected back to customers.
5. Stay calm under pressure
According to Murphy’s law “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” This adage cannot ring truer in such an industry, because it tends to be such a stress-driven environment which sometimes tends to wreak havoc. In a barrage of demands from owners, employees, and customers, all at once during the busiest day, week, and month of your life, it’s crucial that the hospitality manager overcomes the stresses and delivers whatever is being demanded.
This is where perfecting the skills of multi-tasking and prioritizing the needs of others comes into play. Set boundaries to avoid letting your work life impinge on your personal life, because this helps manage your own stress.
6. Know the competition
Keep your establishment at the forefront by visiting restaurants, hotels and other businesses which appeal to your same client base. Network with managers and professionals in complementary industries, such as catering and event planning. Cultivate these relationships and seek opportunities to make mutually beneficial business deals.
7. The importance of Customer Relationship Management
Taking joy in spending time with customers is part of customer service. Greeting them upon their arrival, checking in during their experience and wishing them well upon their departure are part and parcel of their overall experience. After all, this is a profession built on customer service. Complaints should be turned into an opportunity to grow, learn and change. A suggestion box is always a good idea, for both customers and employees.
Ultimately, managing the hospitality industry isn’t simply managing day-to-day operations. It’s a role also to enhance company growth, whether this means expansion of services or greater efficiency. Regularly examining procedures and systems and getting input from employees is also important.
While it’s good to aim to get things right the first time and perpetuating good practices, being proactive towards successfully including the above key ingredients will surely result recipe for success in this industry.
If like us you believe in the quality and value of the hospitality sector and would like to get some advice from the experts, contact us today.