Feeling overwhelmed in the hospitality sector?

Prioritization is one of the skills that needs to be mastered quickly. Spending all of your time on tasks that could have been put off may mean that tasks that required immediate attention have now become an emergency. Prioritize that in which are problems, can become problems, to prevent problems, and then everything else. The list may never end but you can rest assured that the objects that are going to give you the most potential for problems have already been solved and you can either tackle the rest or you can delegate the rest.

During a particularly hectic holiday season, I was faced with an overwhelming number of tasks that all seemed urgent. I knew I had to prioritize to avoid missing key deadlines. I listed out all my tasks and grouped them by urgency and importance. By focusing first on resolving guest complaints and ensuring our major event preparations were on track, I was able to keep things running smoothly. Smaller tasks like paperwork were handled later, once the critical issues were under control. This approach prevented what could have been a chaotic period from spiraling out of control.

At one point, I found myself staying late every night, trying to juggle too many responsibilities. Realizing this wasn't sustainable, I started delegating tasks based on my team's strengths. For instance, I handed over inventory management to a detail-oriented team member and asked another who excelled in guest relations to handle VIP guests. Not only did this reduce my stress, but it also allowed my team to grow and take ownership of their roles. The result was a more efficient operation and a happier, more engaged team.

Taking breaks at work is quite important for an individual's productivity. I personally feel that if you have a designated time frame for everything (from work to taking breaks), you can be more efficient at your workplace. Having a designated time frame isn't difficult, you have to identify the tasks that need to be treated on an urgent basis and get them done on priority first. Post that you can focus on other tasks as well. By doing this you can divide your day's work into segments and do it accordingly. By following this, you can take breaks in between which will further help you with your efficiency.

During a particularly demanding week, I noticed my stress levels were through the roof. Despite the workload, I forced myself to take a mile walk outside during between meal periods. These brief moments of calm made a world of difference. I returned to work feeling more focused and less frazzled. My improved mood and energy were noticeable, and it also set a positive example for my team to take care of themselves, too. Taking breaks became a routine that helped maintain our productivity and well-being.

One time, after an unexpected event disrupted our carefully planned schedule, I noticed the team starting to panic. I gathered everyone and emphasized that while we aim for perfection, occasional setbacks are part of the business. We adjusted our goals for the day and focused on what was achievable. By managing both my expectations and those of my team, we were able to navigate the situation calmly and still provide excellent service, despite the challenges.