Be a Doer, not a Don't-er.

I’ve been reading “The Magic of Thinking Big,” by David J. Schwartz, PhD. This book was originally published in 1959, yet it is full of useful information that directly applies to today. It seems that the basics of success in life are the same no matter what time period one may be living in.

One illustration the author makes struck me as being right on the mark. In the past I have heard others give the advice to do something and not to put it off until things are perfect. Because, if you wait until every risk is eliminated it is highly likely that the project, the things you wish to do, will never happen. The more you put it off, the more “reasons” you will come up with that indicate more time to wait. By and by, it never even starts.

Knowing this as a fact still doesn’t make it any easier to get started on the ‘thing’ worth doing. The illustration Dr. Schwartz used was simple and it really put it in perspective for me. He said to suppose you want to drive from Chicago to Los Angeles. If you wait until you can be completely assured that there will be no road construction, no detours, no bad drivers, no bad weather, no problems of any kind, you would never start the trip. Of course it is a good idea to plan your trip out, to look at a map and, possibly, list the route you expect to take, but you need to actually get in the car and start driving before you have any chance of reaching your destination.

That made a lot of sense to me. This is an illustration I will follow in my own life and I will offer it to others as they need a bit of encouragement.

Heart warming Conversation

Earlier today I had a telephone conversation with a former workmate. She was my front office manager while I was general manager in New Mexico.

She is now general manager of a Hampton Inn. As we continued to talk I asked about another person we worked with, whom I promoted to a management position, and she is now a general manager of a Holiday Inn Express in Nevada.

While working with these two ladies I could see the potential they both had for management. It is heartwarming to see them grow and develop their skills to achieve their potential. I'm happy that I had a hand in that development.

Back In Action

After a sabbatical, I am back and ready to go.

I was out of the country for a while to refresh myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Now I am feeling good and eager to get back to work.

This is my first post since my return to the U.S. and I am in the process of updating my e-mails, websites, and profiles. Please be patient as I go through the process.

Thank you.

Hotel Manager Talk podcast

I was recently introduced to a wonderful podcast for hotel employees.

Hotel Manager Talk is a podcast where you can get the latest in hospitality news and download it for your MP3 player. This is a terrific way to keep up on things while driving to your hotel, while working out, or any time in your day where you could stand a little more productivity.

I have found these podcasts to be just perfect for a busy hotel manager.
The best part about it is, the articles are presented by an experienced hospitality professional. So, you know the information is truly applicable and current.

Check it out and give it a listen.
I think you will like it as much as I do.

Housekeeping Inspection

I have finished my booklet "A General Manager's Housekeeping Inspection Program."

This booklet describes a manager inspection program that works very well at improving and maintaining the highest quality in guest room cleanliness.

It is available through this link
or through Amazon.com

More FREE Goodies

I just made two more items from my Hotel Manager's Toolbox CD available on the "FREE Goodies" page of my website.

You will find there a sample General Apology Letter that I found to be very effective.
And, I added a Debit Card Notice. This is in a PDF form and can be used to inform guests that funds held on a debit card can take up to seven days after check-out to return to their bank account.

Check them out.
If you decide to use them, be sure to make necessary changes to fit your hotel and your situation.

Thanks.

Recognition Idea

As GM I would give my staff members small thank you cards. They were about the size of a business card with a word of encouragement on the front and blank in the middle. G-neil Company carried some of these cards.

I would sit at my desk and write supportive messages inside the cards. Messages like "You are doing a great job. Thanks" or "I am so glad you are on our team." Then I placed the cards inside their envelopes and carry two or three in my pocket. When I would see an employee doing something right I would take out a card and write their name on the envelope. I did this with housekeeping especially, since they are the hardest working department with the least amount of recognition.

The employees thought the card was a planned recognition just for them. They saw their name on the envelope and imagined me selecting the little card just for them and writing the message with them in mind, then searching the property to deliver their card personally. They didn't know I had a pocket full of prepared cards.

It didn't matter, they felt appreciated and that was the point.

Find ways to show appreciation for your staff and they will take care of your guests.