Hospitality Operators; Unleash Your Potential

In the world of hospitality operations, it's really common for General Managers and Ops Managers to find themselves frustrated, bored or disillusioned in roles within large companies. (They might want a promotion, to move into a new area or site or just be fed up with the ever-increasing targets and shrinking budgets.)

However they don't do much about it, I think because it is a safe, secure and comfortable job and that's ok, but if you want to break free from the constraints of the larger hospitality companies, you can often find opportunities in a whole new world of true hospitality-focused organisations.

While many perceive such a move as risky, I believe that the reality is often a lot less risky and once you are over the inevitable transition, can be an incredibly rewarding career move.

As someone who has spent more than 15 years in hospitality in the UK and moved from organisations with 40,000 people and 1,500 sites to operating single-site businesses too, I thought I'd explore briefly what the pros and cons of leaving a large company for a smaller operator are and why might taking this leap may be a game-changer for your professional growth?

1. Autonomy and Involvement:

One of the most significant advantages of transitioning to a smaller operator is the increased level of autonomy and involvement in the business. In larger companies, decision-making processes can be slow, and bureaucratic, leave little room for individual creativity or simply bypass your involvement altogether and leave you only to implement someone else's ideas, (something I struggle with.) By joining a smaller operator, you have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the business and witness the tangible results of your decisions. This level of ownership and involvement can be incredibly fulfilling and empowering.

2. Learning Opportunities:

In smaller operators, the breadth of responsibilities often expands beyond the scope of your current role. You are likely to find yourself wearing multiple hats, gaining exposure to various aspects of the business. This dynamic environment presents a unique chance to broaden your skill set and expand your knowledge base. You'll find yourself working closely with different departments, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and honing your leadership skills in ways that may not have been possible within the confines of a larger organization. I can directly see that as I have worked in smaller organisations I have had such incredible learning opportunities in areas I would never have been able to get from a traditional hospitality operations role in a larger company. I feel I am a much more rounded business operator now because of this experience in fields like finance, technology, HR and all things commercial.

3. Recognition, Praise and (usually) no Politics:

Smaller operators tend to have a tighter-knit team, fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation. In a larger company, it's easier for your accomplishments to go unnoticed amidst the sea of employees. However, in a smaller setting, your contributions are more visible and often met with immediate acknowledgement. This recognition not only boosts your motivation but also provides a sense of validation and satisfaction in your work. If you win, the business wins and everyone wins. Generally no egos and no politics.

4. Professional Growth and Career Advancement:

Transitioning to a smaller operator can be an excellent opportunity for accelerated professional growth. In a large company, promotions and advancements are usually (just through the fact that their hierarchy pyramid is usually a lot steeper) highly competitive and slow-moving. On the other hand, smaller operators often provide a more agile environment, allowing you to take on new challenges, lead different strategic initiatives, and grow your career at a faster pace. Your ability to adapt, innovate, and contribute to the overall success of the business will be recognized and rewarded accordingly.

5. Performance and Accountability:

While the benefits of transitioning to a smaller operator are substantial, you have to remember that with fewer people, comes less space to hide and there is an increased level of performance and accountability expected. In a larger company, there may be more room to skate under the surface and pop the blame on bureaucracy or head office for any shortcomings. However, in a smaller operator, your performance is crucial to the success of the business, and there is no room for complacency. This heightened level of responsibility may be intimidating, but I believe also provides an opportunity for personal growth and achievement.

Conclusion:

When considering a move from a comfortable role in a large hospitality operations company to a smaller operator, it's natural to feel hesitant about the potential risks. For me, it become clear that the rewards probably outweighed the challenges. The autonomy, involvement, learning opportunities, recognition, and accelerated career growth that come with joining a smaller operator made it a compelling choice for me. While the exposure and accountability may be higher, the personal and professional growth that can be achieved are unparalleled.

So, what have you got to lose? There will always be a vacancy in larger companies for you to return to, but stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the challenges of a smaller operator can unlock your full potential.

Note: I am definitely not suggesting that roles in large hospitality operations are not excellent. Probably my most enjoyable role to date was with a huge operator. I'm simply saying that if you want to get that promotion or just a new challenge, moving to a smaller operator can be a great choice if you find the right one!

If you'd like to find out more about life in smaller hospitality organisations, I'm always open to a coffee and a chat ?? https://cal.com/travis - minus any strings.