Consumer Discretionary

<p>We have all had to make decisions that keep us on a path to success. You can make a difference in another individual's life by providing leadership that inspires them through action with all you do daily.&nbsp;</p><p>Pivoting into the new hospitality ordinary is something that never in my thirty-plus year hospitality career would I have envisioned where we are today. Since graduating college and accepting my first opportunity in Boston, I would have thought that so many individuals, including myself, would be so negatively impacted as we had to think differently and pivot into potential roles outside the hotel world.</p><p>Since March 2020, so many hospitality professionals have had to accept new positions, start an entrepreneurial venture, or take a horizontal step to navigate the constantly changing industry when we had to place the closed until further notice signs on our doors.</p><p>Regardless of the industry you are in, planning for variables has always been a standard way we operate and get things done.&nbsp;</p><p>Today, you must always have a mitigation action plan to prepare for a wide range of potential outcomes that are, regrettably, beyond your control. Even though you might not always require this, a proactive approach will yield the necessary results for all stakeholders in your business unit.&nbsp;</p><p>Are you still able to achieve your goals? How will you keep enhancing the balanced scorecard?&nbsp;</p><p>These are some of the questions that the pros and cons of a virtual workday vs. an on-property one cause us to consider (associate engagement, guest satisfaction, and financial success).&nbsp;</p><p>What was successful, and what could be improved upon as we long-term recover from the pandemic?</p><p>Based on my limited experience from the operational front lines to the executive board room during this historical period, I have adopted the following "six personal mantras".</p><h2><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ways to Manage through the Hospitality Sector</span></h2><p><strong>Your Energy and Enthusiasm will not only be Noticed but Contagious</strong></p><p>Others will want to emulate you if you illustrate your commitment by being intensely passionate. Anyone can show up for work, but the key is to immerse yourself in work, lead by example, make it enjoyable, and look for the good, even in the worst situations.</p><p><strong>Lead from the Front and Enjoy what you do in the Service Industry</strong></p><p>Our line of work can be demanding, and there may be times when you need to arrive first and leave last.<br />The pandemic has taught us that we can strike a balance and live a balanced lifestyle. When you enjoy what you do, everything is worthwhile.</p><p>The key is to find a way to balance your personal and professional lives; if you work longer hours, you must find a way to support your family. The current work can be prioritized because it will always need to be done. People will understand you if you say the word everyone wants to hear: "Yes."</p><p><strong>Balance being Courteous, Kind, Patient, Empathetic and Candid to the Point</strong></p><p>What is your leadership style?&nbsp;</p><p>In today's world, people want to be inspired and feel comfortable approaching you; however, if you don't listen, they won't be engaged, and eventually, they will find another job. Reflect on it. Because you have two ears and one mouth, listening and acting on what you hear will enable you to work collaboratively with the other team members.&nbsp;</p><p>People want to be inspired by someone with their best interests. Using empathy can be difficult because we always say sorry before understanding and thinking about the situation from another person's point of view.</p><p><strong>Tell People What you know, not What you Think</strong></p><p>Very often, we talk for the sake of talking; having information and facts will increase your credibility. Research the topic and become an authority on it, or at the very least, learn enough to speak intelligently about it.&nbsp;</p><p>People will be interested in what you have to say, so use that opportunity to talk with others in the company. Being open and honest with your colleagues, subordinates, and superiors will win you much respect in return. Sometimes, this will even alter how people perceive your leadership style, which may help launch your career in a field you never anticipated.</p><p><strong>Hold Yourself and Others Accountable</strong></p><p>Do not do so if the policy is to enter or exit through the associate entrance door. As you advance through the organization, it can be exciting and simple to do things that give your peers the impression that you are entitled. This seems straightforward, but what you see outside is incredible.&nbsp;</p><p>Numerous bad habits will start because of this behaviour. Use a Cadence of accountability; if you do the right thing consistently and set clear expectations that hold others accountable is no surprise when you pose the question, why are you doing that?&nbsp;</p><p>Following up on a task with just a conversation happens often, but when you document what is expected, it makes a progressive disciplinary process smoother to execute at the moment of truth.</p><p><strong>Focus on Getting Things done</strong></p><p>Concentrating on the few will allow you and your teams to accomplish what is in your strategic plan. Creating an action plan that includes a set of initiatives with due dates will keep you on track, as well as be highly measurable.&nbsp;</p><p>Setting goals at the beginning of the year resets your focus and gives everyone a clear slate of using a forward-thinking mentality, the worst thing you can do is dwell on the past because you cannot change what happened, but you can reshape the future.&nbsp;Success can be determined in several ways, whether it is exceeding your budget or as simple as changing a past practice amongst the staff that was not healthy and created a negative vibe in the building; it is an emerging process.&nbsp;</p><p>When the entire team is on the same page and involved in the decision-making process, satisfaction levels rise quickly.&nbsp;<br />As we move into the next chapter of the hospitality industry, we must all take the time to reflect on what has transpired and find the positives that will make us emerge past the dilemma we have all experienced in some way, shape, or form.&nbsp;</p><p>Being forced to make the hard decisions to either improve the operation, do more with less, and at times even close completely has made me and so many others true leaders in the face of adversity. We are recovering as many predicted we would, according to numerous predictions and forecasts made by a broad range of business experts.</p><p>It is so calming to see travellers out on the road again, interacting with one another while following all the new protocols; this shows how resilient our organisation is.&nbsp;</p><p>The hospitality sector is a complex industry where you can begin at the bottom and advance to senior-level leadership positions. Finding the mentor or group that you want to aspire to be like will be helpful for you, whether you are just starting in your journey or are getting close to retirement. You cannot do it alone, so selecting the right friends and allies to surround yourself with will be crucial to your success.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>This article was contributed by our expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsalcfas/">David Salcfas</a></em></span></p><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Frequently Asked Questions Answered by David Salcfas</span></h3><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. What are the three trends that are having an impact on the hospitality industry?</span></h2><ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Sourcing the Right Talent and creating flexible work schedules</li><li>Group and Catering Hybrid Meeting Plans</li><li>Use of Technology&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. What are the current issues in the hospitality industry in 2022?</span></h2><ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Labor Shortage to accommodate the business demands</li><li>Continued oversupply in various markets</li><li>Rising costs percentage at a pace higher than the overall revenues</li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>3. What is the key to success in the hospitality industry?</strong></span></h2><ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Business travelers getting back on the road and meeting face to face.</li><li>Guest Service Training</li><li>Finding Truly Passionate and Aspiring Leaders</li></ul></li></ul><h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. How can we achieve sustainability in the hospitality industry?</span></h2><p>Creating a Cadence of Accountability to enhance employee engagement, improve guest satisfaction and increase financial success. This is known as the Balanced Scorecard. Also, I found ways to give back to the community and improve our world by finding a worthy cause to partner with.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>