What happens when mistakes aren’t tolerated?
Your team stops trying. Ideas are stifled, innovation disappears, and the only goal is to avoid failure—at any cost. On the surface, a “perfect” team may seem productive, but dig deeper, and you’ll find a culture paralyzed by fear.
On the flip side, when mistakes are expected, examined, and turned into opportunities, you unlock something extraordinary: growth, creativity, and progress.
In any organization, there are always people who resist change. As leaders, we need to navigate these moments with a focus on building a culture of psychological safety—a place where people feel safe to voice ideas, concerns, and even mistakes without fear of negative consequences. One effective strategy for addressing resistance is the “Three Cs”: Curiosity, Compassion, and Commitment.
When you encounter resistance, start by asking questions with genuine curiosity. Avoid assumptions, and instead, seek to understand where the other person is coming from. Listen actively and respond thoughtfully. Curiosity shows respect and conveys that the person’s thoughts and concerns matter. It’s about fostering a dialogue, not a debate. By staying curious, we create a space where people feel heard and valued.
Next, approach the situation with compassion. Try to understand the root causes behind the resistance. Is it fear of change? Past experiences that haven’t gone well? People are more likely to be open if they sense empathy. When we demonstrate compassion, we’re not just resolving a specific issue—we’re strengthening our relationships and building a foundation of trust.
Finally, show your commitment to the goals you’re aiming to achieve. Displaying excitement and dedication to the work is contagious, and often, resistance melts away when others see your genuine enthusiasm. Commitment isn’t about pushing a personal agenda; it’s about inspiring others to come along because they see the bigger picture and understand the purpose behind it.
Why the Three Cs Matter
These three approaches—Curiosity, Compassion, and Commitment—are powerful tools for overcoming resistance and driving cultural change. They remind us that as leaders, we hold the power to influence the organization’s journey towards a more inclusive and psychologically safe environment. By embodying these values, we can encourage even the most resistant individuals to become part of the team’s forward momentum.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re confronted with resistance, remember the Three Cs. Approach the conversation with curiosity, show compassion for the person’s perspective, and demonstrate your commitment to positive change. Not only will you likely find a way forward, but you’ll also contribute to a culture where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to bring their best to the table.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the term “strategy” is often thrown around, but its true essence is not always fully grasped. Michael E. Porter, a thought leader in the realm of business strategy, provides a masterclass in strategic thinking with his groundbreaking article, “What is Strategy?” published in the Harvard Business Review. This article offers timeless insights that can transform your approach to business from ordinary to extraordinary.
At its core, Porter argues that strategy is about making deliberate choices—decisions that set your business apart from the competition. It’s not just about being better at what you do; it’s about being different in what you do. This distinction is crucial because while operational efficiency is necessary, it doesn’t lead to long-term success. Strategy is about finding a unique position in the market and sticking to it.
In a world where trends change at the speed of light and competition is fierce, understanding strategy is your ticket to staying relevant and successful. Porter’s insights are more than just academic theories—they’re practical tools that can help any business, large or small, navigate the complexities of today’s market.
So, the next time you hear the word “strategy,” remember that it’s not just about being good at what you do; it’s about being different in what you do. It’s about making choices, creating alignment, and building a position that’s uniquely yours.
Credits: This blog post is inspired by Michael E. Porter’s article “What is Strategy?” published by the Harvard Business Review. For a deeper dive into Porter’s strategic wisdom, you can read the full article here.
Self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and the impact you have on others. Leaders who cultivate self-awareness are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles, foster genuine relationships, and inspire their teams. This blog post explores the importance of self-awareness for leaders and provides actionable strategies to enhance this critical skill.
Self-awareness is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and improvement. By actively cultivating self-awareness, leaders can enhance their emotional intelligence, make better decisions, and build authentic relationships with their teams. As you strive to become a more self-aware leader, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Credits: This blog post is inspired by insights shared by Ben Meer on LinkedIn. For more on the topic, check out Ben’s original post here.
In the professional world, accountability is essential for both personal growth and organizational success. The Accountability Ladder, a concept developed by Bruce T. Gordon and popularized by various thought leaders, serves as a valuable framework to understand and improve accountability in the workplace.
The Accountability Ladder is comprised of eight levels, each representing a different mindset and degree of responsibility:
Leaders and organizations can use the Accountability Ladder to foster a culture of responsibility and growth. Here are some steps to implement it effectively:
Climbing the Accountability Ladder is a journey from passive to proactive behavior, transforming individuals and organizations alike. By embracing this framework, we can cultivate a culture of accountability that drives success and innovation.
Credits: The Accountability Ladder concept has been explored and elaborated by various experts, including Bruce T. Gordon, as well as featured in resources like the Niagara Institute and ThinkDev. For more detailed guidance and applications, these sources provide comprehensive insights into building accountability in leadership and organizational practices.
In the dynamic world of hospitality, motivating employees is crucial for maintaining high levels of service and ensuring guest satisfaction. Employees can generally be categorized into various types based on their performance and engagement levels. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to motivate each type, along with what to do and what not to do.
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Understanding and addressing the unique needs of different types of employees in the hotel industry can lead to a more motivated and effective workforce. By implementing tailored strategies, you can enhance performance, foster loyalty, and create a positive work environment that benefits both employees and guests.
Working with a great leader can be a transformative experience that enhances your professional growth and overall job satisfaction.
Here are signs to help you recognize if you’re fortunate enough to work for an exceptional leader:
In summary, working for a great leader can significantly impact your professional journey. If you see these traits in your leader, you’re likely in an environment that fosters growth, respect, and success. These principles are essential in creating a workplace where everyone thrives.
Effective leadership is a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement. Here are twelve crucial lessons to help you lead with excellence:
Incorporating these lessons into your leadership approach can transform your team dynamics and lead to greater success. Remember, effective leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and self-improvement.
As someone immersed in the world of hospitality, I’ve seen firsthand how we, as leaders, can truly ignite talent and propel growth within our teams. Let me share some thoughts and experiences on how we can boost our team members’ potential and advocate for in-house movements. Let’s unpack some practical strategies to create a vibrant atmosphere and unleash the incredible abilities of our hospitality champions.
Fueling Progress: Employee Learning Programs
I’ve seen time and again that we, as an organization, hold the golden key to propel our team through focused learning programs. Through training, workshops, and mentorship, we arm our team with the right skills to excel. This dedication to growth shapes a motivated and connected crew, eager to rise to new challenges.
Crafting Success: Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
Each of our team members comes with unique dreams and abilities, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping them grow. Personal development plans, created collaboratively, serve as roadmaps to align their ambitions with our company goals. This investment into their growth fosters commitment to our organization.
Nurturing Our Talent: Talent Management and Succession Planning
A big part of the game is talent nurturing, a key for long-term success. Effective talent management and succession planning help us spot the future leaders in our team and offer them growth opportunities. This approach ensures a smooth transfer of knowledge and upholds our high standards.
Branching Out: Job Rotation and Cross-Training
Encouraging our team to explore new roles and widen their skills is essential for personal growth. Initiatives like job rotation and cross-training expose them to different areas. This strategy not only sparks innovation but also reinforces teamwork.
Scaling New Heights: Internal Job Postings and Career Progression
Internal job postings and career progression programs are stepping stones within our organization. Openly advertising these opportunities fires up ambition and promotes loyalty. I’ve found that supporting in-house transfers and within the company develops individuals and fosters a culture of growth.
Cheering Achievements: Recognition and Rewards
A culture that celebrates successes and offers rewards breeds excellence. Recognizing our team’s wins and offering meaningful rewards reminds them that their work is valued. This recognition fuels pride and keeps the motivation high for more achievements.
Walking Together: Open Communication and Mentoring
Keeping the conversation going and offering support are essential in guiding our team on their professional journey. This open communication, paired with constructive feedback and guidance, instills confidence and a sense of belonging. As a mentor, I’ve seen team members navigate their career paths with newfound assurance.
The Importance of Talent Growth
From my experience as a General Manager, I’ve found that fostering talent growth is essential, not just for the team but for the organization as a whole. It boosts our reputation as a nurturing and supportive place to work, which naturally attracts more high-quality talent. It’s a positive cycle – the more we invest in our people, the more our reputation grows, drawing in more top-notch individuals who want to grow with us.
Being a leader in the hospitality sector, it’s a real privilege to be able to spark talent and fuel growth within our teams. By focusing on employee development, getting behind personalized growth plans, and building a supportive culture, we’re unlocking the full potential of our hospitality pros. Let’s create an environment together where dreams are realized, fantastic experiences are created, and our organization thrives.
Are you a recent graduate looking for an exciting and rewarding career? Look no further than the hospitality industry!
Our hotel has just signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a local university to offer internship programs at our hotel company. This is an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the industry and jumpstart their careers.
This partnership reminded me of my own career journey, having started with internships, and inspired me to write this post and share some information about the various career opportunities available in the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry is a dynamic field that offers a wide range of opportunities for recent graduates. From hotel management to food and beverage management, event planning, and tourism, there is something for everyone in this exciting industry.
One of my favorite things about working in hospitality is the opportunity to travel and work with a diverse group of people. I have had the privilege of visiting beautiful hotels and meeting guests from all over the world, being a part of creating unforgettable experiences for them.
It allowed me to work in Vienna, New York, Shanghai, and Bangkok and experience the local culture.
The industry also places a high value on skills such as customer service, communication, and teamwork. These are skills that will serve you well in any career and make you a highly desirable candidate to future employers. And I can tell you, it is true that the experience I gained in the industry and the knowledge I’ve acquired has been very valuable in my current role.
Additionally, the industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends, meaning there is always room for growth and advancement in your career.
At our hotel, we are thrilled to be offering internship opportunities through our partnership with the local university. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the industry and jumpstart their careers, just like I did when I started my journey in the hospitality industry.
If you’re a recent graduate looking for a career that is challenging and rewarding, consider the hospitality industry. With a wide range of opportunities available, it may be the perfect fit for you.
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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:
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.
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:
So, how can hotel management foster a culture of teamwork within their organization? Here are a few tips:
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.
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.
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:
Here are my top 5 tips to get your energy back! Continue reading Feeling like you’re out of energy? 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!
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!
I have now worked in five different hotels over the past decade and all of them had one thing in common. People would tell me about all the great things that they used to do or all the great ideas that they have had in the past, but that just disappeared or never even happened.
Why is that? We know that a lot of people have great ideas all the time, know what’s wrong and what needs improvement, so why is it that only few succeed?
We have all heard how important body language is and that only a small percentage of communication involves actual words. Only 7% of communication, to be exact. In fact, 55% of communication is visual (body language, eye contact) and 38% is vocal (pitch, speed, volume, tone of voice). So we understand that it’s probably a good idea to focus on our body language and how we are being perceived by others. Are you standing straight with an open and powerful posture or are you trying to make yourself smaller? All this has an effect of how well we are being perceived by others.
We have also learned that sometimes we have to fake until we make it. When we are going for a job interview or we are starting a new job and it’s our first day, chances are that we are a little bit out of our comfort zone (if not it probably means that we are jumping from job to job too often). Looking at our body language and focusing on high power postures rather than lower power postures can make a big difference.
We know that how we feel does influence our body language, and Amy Cuddy is proving that the exact opposite works as well. Our body language (even if only faked) does influence our mind and how we feel about ourselves.
Take a moment to watch Amy’s speech ‘Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are’ on TED and learn her inspiring story (in my opinion one of the best TED talks).
Everything is difficult before it gets easy, and what was once out of your comfort zone now belongs to your daily routine. So our goal should be to become most comfortable at our job, correct?
In contrary our goal should be to always look for opportunities and challenges that push us out of our comfort zone and help us grow further. If we never step out of our comfort zone and make mistakes, we never learn new things and our career stagnates.
Don’t be happy if you know all the answers and know how everything works, don’t be happy if you are the smartest person in the room, and look for ways to continue to challenge yourself.
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