It seems that lately this position has come under fire, I have to ask if I want to peruse that road. As read in the hospitality sector as well as the business sector, some CEO’S are being thrown out the window. What has happened here? It seems that the powers to be are beginning to see that just maybe these people aren’t producing.
The industry holds accountable those that make mistakes, do they not? Well people at the top are no different. They have an obligation to provide leadership to the company that they are currently working for, and may I say for a very hefty salary plus options. It becomes obvious that they should be very good at setting the course for the company so as to bring a good return on the investment. I consider that the CEO is an investment. Companies look for the best candidate they can find, and in return expect great things to happen. Does J. C. Penny come to mind? New CEO, new direction, a direction that went very wrong with consumers. New CEO out, bring back the old one.
What it takes to be a CEO in the Hospitality Industry
So now those aspiring hospitality executives that have their eye on the C- Suite, do you think you got what it takes? Of all of the positions you will handle in the hotel industry, none is more fickle that the CEO. You have in some cases hundreds of employees to worry about, numerous properties, and a board of directors who only look at dollars made, not lost. You will have to lead hotels, resorts, time shares and such to new heights; motivate the different departments and get everyone on board with your vision. Not everyone will share your vision – you will have to do some mighty fancy foot work to convince all of them. Ok, you have the big corner office with a window overlooking your empire, now what? There are people waiting for you to falter, to make a dumb move. Ever think that perhaps this is not what you aspired to be? There have been a few CEO’S from hotel chains on the TV program “Undercover Boss.” If you saw them, you realize the changes that transpired after their journey.
Can You Measure Up to the Responsibility?
It takes a certain personality and a passion, a passion that only few possess to be the head of a Hotel empire. Look at those that have survived the ups and down of the hotel industry, through good times and bad times they have held the course, and braved the winds of change. There were a lot that could not hold the course and fell by the wayside. Everyone will look to you when the tide turns, as long as the sea is smooth, no problem, all is well, but let the wave crash on the shore and who will get the blame? Like to guess? To those new executives coming up the pike remember as you ascend the latter, there are more responsibilities. Large hotel companies that employ 30,000 or more people, these people depend on the decision that the CEO will make. Their livelihoods are dependent on that – now that’s an awesome responsibility to have. Still want the job?
In essence I am a small company compared to Hilton, Westin, and such but there are people that depend on what I do, and if I decide to shut down, there are quite a few people that suddenly will be out of work. I have an obligation to them, for they have served me well all of these years. Have I made mistakes? You bet I have, but I / we learned from them, it made us better. So go on your journey, expand your reach and make sure that you have the passion to lead in rough waters.
About the Author
Alan Campbell has been in Las Vegas for over 30 years and has worked for the major strip hotels. He has spent some time in California, Los Angeles where he worked for the Radisson and Sheraton hotels. Alan considers the hospitality industry the best job in the world – it is the only place that both king's and Paupers will visit you.
The Hotel Guy
