Who Cares If They Haven't Worked In Hotels Before... That's A Good Thing!
Scot Turner
Rewriting the Rules of Hotel F&B | Founder of Award-Winning Auden Hospitality | Podcast Host | Keynote Speaker
So many times I spend time in hotels and look at the managers and wonder if a fresh injection of expertise could help them.
This isn’t about whether they need my help, it’s about the dynamics of their team because it is so common to see one-dimensional leaders in hotels, largely down to the fact that we believe we have to recruit hotel people for hotel positions.
I don’t agree!
Take a look at some of the largest listed companies in the world, they often hire CEOs and Senior Leaders from outside their particular industries, united by their ability to lead high-performance teams and bring experience of how other industries do things and adapt them to enhance their business.
It’s a well known fact that Richard Branson can’t read a P&L, I am sure he doesn’t know how to build a plane and probably can’t steer a cruise liner around the US, but does that stop him from being one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our generation?
No. Because he knows how to lead, inspire, motivate experts to create great companies.
So I ask, why in hotels do we ignore the talent that sits outside the lodging sector?
If I look at many of the projects we are working on at the minute with Auden Hospitality we are implementing key learnings from the teams experience of running independent or chain restaurants such as Shake Shack, MacDonalds, Dominque Ansel Bakery and The Lebanese Bakery.
I don’t want to divert from my main point so if you would like to hear some of the examples, then listen to this episode of Hospitality Huddles as I chat with Bal Mahey, our Operations Director about a concept launch we did a few months ago.
Why look outside?
These individuals bring a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, hands-on experience, and a knack for problem-solving that can revolutionise your hotel's dining experience.
Here's why:
1. Entrepreneurial Mindset
Independent restaurateurs are accustomed to operating in a high-stakes, competitive environment where every decision can make or break their business. Unlike larger hotel chains, they don't have the safety net of a well-established brand to rely on. This necessity breeds innovation, creativity, and a willingness to take calculated risks. By bringing these individuals on board, you infuse your F&B operation with a fresh perspective and a hunger for success.
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2. Ownership Mentality
In an independent restaurant, managers often wear multiple hats and take full ownership of various aspects of the business, including finance, maintenance, and customer satisfaction. This level of responsibility fosters a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful F&B operation. When these individuals transition to a hotel setting, they bring with them a wealth of practical knowledge and a proactive mindset that can drive operational excellence.
3. Community-Centric Focus
Independent restaurateurs understand the importance of building strong relationships with their local community. In a competitive landscape, personalised service and attention to detail can set a restaurant apart from the competition. By hiring individuals from independent backgrounds, you infuse your team with people who understand how to embrace their local community, something which is vital to success.
4. Adaptability and Flexibility
Independent restaurants are accustomed to operating in dynamic environments where they must adapt quickly to changing market trends, guest preferences, and external factors. This agility translates seamlessly into the hotel industry, where flexibility is key to navigating fluctuations in demand, seasonal variations, and unforeseen challenges.
5. Innovation
Independent chefs are often at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of taste, presentation, and dining experiences. By incorporating their expertise into your operation, you can offer guests a unique offer that sets your outlets apart from your competition and continually creates moments your guest want to capture.
Next time you get a CV from someone outside of the industry remember, direct experience isn’t everything, sometimes, a fresh perspective can help make you different from others and breathe a new life into your operation.
Entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on experience, community-centric focus, adaptability, and innovation will all drive success in an increasingly competitive market. So, why not think outside the box and embrace the diverse perspectives that independent restaurateurs bring to the table?
An interesting thought for the weekend right?
See you next time!
Scot ????
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Bars Manager | Bachelor's degree of tourism and hotels management
4 个月Totally agree , Restaurants has more competitive segments as they have to pay attention to the details, make perfect service and memorable experience, as serving food and beverage is their only income otherwise they will not stay in business, unlike hotels food and beverage outlets who are waiting for their in-house guests to serve which is easier and routine basis procedures No offense if I say that sometimes in hotels they pay attention to serve and comfort the Gm and CEO and forget about how to make their outlet profitable and prosper
Product Marketing Manager | GTM and Product Launch Expert | Leading collaboration across teams with curiosity and empathy
4 个月It takes a good mix of industry knowledge and outside innovators who have knowledge of something in the mix - the technology, the market, the business - whatever it is that drives success for your hospitality business. Otelier does a great job of retaining industry experts and hospitality folks while also bringing on state-of-the-art technologists who can push the industry forward.
Hospitality Interior Design Leader ? Transforming Brand Identity & Guest Experience with Strategic Design for Growth ? Founder at Tanic Design ?
4 个月Richard Branson's success is inspiring despite his unconventional skills. Check out the issue for more insights. Scot Turner
Development Specialist. I specialize in enhancing company workforces
4 个月Totally agree with what you wrote. Restaurant worker! Hotel worker! In the end, it's all about "hospitality." It's about creating positive, memorable experiences for every guest, every time.