Halleluiah, I am now writing from my “Opening Office”. I have Internet, a bit slow in the morning but ok during the day, a small meeting room, one DGM, and I have interviewed my Administrative assistant.
My second week proved to be hectic with an Operating Equipment (HOE) and FF&E review with the Owning Company. I have also been busy preparing for re-submission of the Pre-opening Budget (POB), seeking candidates for all key positions, confirming opening date.
Walked the worksite and “felt” the Public spaces. From the pool which was filled with the week-end torrential rain water to the Fitness centre, from the Spa to the Specialty restaurant, it lifted my spirits and sense of better things to come. The all day dining flow and space looks great. I even imagined the 3rd floor large Ballroom empty space. How? Closed my eyes and felt, imagined, let my experience flow into my veins and there it was – a sparkling new podium, a sturdy new stage, a large crowd and a microphone that was not quite working…
Oh, back to reality.
I have done that exercise already 5 times since my arrival. It energizes me to “feel” the space. I walk like a guest and think like a guest. What will he need, how will he get there, what do I want him to see and how comfortable will he feel? All important questions that will help me look at the blueprints, signage and directions more carefully next week.
At the beginning of an opening, the fun parts are, that “YOU” get to reinvent yourself or get re-introduced to many basics:
- “YOU” have to do your toast instead of ordering it.
- “YOU” get to percolate your Morning coffee instead of having it freshly made and delivered wherever you are and whenever you want. You can always get it from famous coffee Brand outside but….
- “YOU” get to cook your meal instead of ordering the very tender Rib eye served with a side of sautéed spinach and potato mousseline. You can enjoy dining out but…
- “YOU” get to wear 2 pair of shoes at the Office, 1 for Onsite visit that you keep dirty as long as you can (and will throw away after 6 months), 1 for receiving invited guests
- “YOU” get to wear t-shirts and casual pants that you need to wash by yourself. I know colleagues who take an immense pleasure to wear Hawaiian type “Aloha” shirts onsite and cool sunglasses.
- “YOU” sporadically wear your Business suit and more so a tie
- “YOU” get to go Grocery shopping and carry your bags for a change
- “YOU” get to have a “Budget” which means that “YOU” need to control your expenses monthly
- “YOU” get to prepare and submit your own expense account instead of having your capable assistant doing it for you
The list can go on, however I believe you get the picture.
At least by doing many of the above, “YOU” cannot get angry, disgruntled or disappointed at anyone but yourself resulting in lower blood pressure and stable mood.
At the beginning of an opening in China, there are challenging parts as well:
- Redoing my working visa took a great deal of time which elevated my blood pressure a little
- Doing the all too important Medical check was relatively easy and, as usual in China, very systematic. “YOU” get to go to all the Room Numbers on your paper. Some are pleasant, some are not.
- Registering at the closest Police Station and filling papers with right size pictures was also relatively easy with the exception of the officer’s cold and unwelcoming temper
- Going to your closest bank to change all the coordinates and re-initialize your Internet Banking
- Working with new Owning Company who have different views and approach then your previous experiences. Not one Owner treats its business the same way. All have their own wishes, requirements and rules.
This will test your diplomacy, adaptability and flexibility. Time to make use of these personal tools to ensure longevity and most important success.
- In the past 2 weeks, I re-introduced myself to the “Home feeling” world.
So far, it feels Ok. I do not suffer from deep depression. I think I can do this but for how long…
If you remember what I wrote last week:
Embrace the word NEW and get rid of the “OLD” in you
Yoland Perras
General Manager
Sheraton Wuhan Hankou Hotel
