Arriving on Friday evening June 28th 2013 in preparation of my new assignment as opening GM, I realized the fun I was going to have immediately. My Owning Company was kind enough to have negotiated the lease of a new apartment before my arrival so we went directly from airport to my “New” place.
They made many efforts to make sure that my transition would be smooth and welcoming. Apartment cleaned, new washing machine, new Microwave, 2 spoons, 2 forks, 2 plates, 2 cups, 1 set of bed sheets and more. They did their outmost to make me feel good and it worked. I have been in places, and I am sure some readers have too, where you hardly have anything and after the first day or so, you want out of your assignment. I know some colleagues who have not lasted one day in their new environment.
What Makes Us Relocate?
So what is it that makes us venture into the so much unknown? What is it that makes us change our life and the lives of those close to us? I believe that the attraction of the new discoveries, the unexpected and multiple changes, the thrill to overcome the many challenges and most importantly, the fun of the unforeseen is what makes us change our livelihood and seek new experiences.
Much like an athlete, some of us need that rush of adrenaline to push forward the boundaries of adaptability and knowledge. With each and every relocation, I have become stronger, more flexible, highly adaptable and open-minded. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
The Lurks and Perks of a New Office
In my first week, the internet was disconnected. My “new” phone number did not sync with my Laptop. My iPad did not sync with my Laptop. Cable only. How can it be so primitive, I asked? There was a time where relocating only meant taking one suitcase of clothing. Now I have special boxes on which I write “Office” “Adaptors” “Charger” Post-it Notes, Maps of my new town, etc…
In my first week I had no office. I worked from home. I remember a time where we were 12 people in a 50 sqm office including printer, faxes, yes indeed faxes, working face to face and where wireless was just scratching the surface of our world. I also remember that stepping out of that office meant sub-zero temperature and wishing you were not human as you needed to face and overcome the prospect of your personal genitals being frozen while taking a leak.
At least today, I got my office — not bad with a view to the garden, +35C, still no internet yet but OK they will come this afternoon, so they say after their afternoon nap.
Finding Food in A New Environment
How about this canteen food that you must have while opening a new property?
Well, I have been eating at the Hard Hat workers canteen since my arrival, not the “pasta or steak” that I am accustomed to while operating a hotel, but I have had worse in my previous similar assignment. So bad that at times your stomach was sick for days and the only remedy would be a full bodied glass of wine shared with your equally sick colleagues’ onsite.
In relocation keep in mind the following:
- Find ways to “Anchor” yourself quickly
- Make no comparison with your previous assignment, especially if it was like me a successful operating unit where food, beverage, laundry, hairdresser etc… were readily available and organized by your capable assistant and at your request.
- Get to know your surroundings faster by asking all the right questions
- Cover your “territory” and ensure that you know more than the locals
- Adapt and relax.
- Don’t have too many “I MUST HAVE” and have many “I MUST KNOW”. This way you will be more flexible and receptive to your “New” place
- Enjoy the time with your family or discover new friends
So to conclude — embrace the word NEW and get rid of the “OLD” in you.
Yoland Perras
General Manager
Sheraton Wuhan Hankou Hotel
