Update
Budgets APPROVED. Halleluiah, in this time of festivities and with dear Santa coming to town real soon, well, it is time to "Say thanks".
Many would argue that it is an inherited right to receive your HOE, IT and POB funds. True that it comes part of the Management contract, yet as most of you know, the above Budgets are in addition to the massive amount invested by the Owner in design, construction, mechanical systems, decoration, furniture and more.
Hence, you saying thanks will solidify your role and show Owners that you recognize and appreciate their efforts in making "THEIR" investment work for YOUR hotel.
We, GM, have the easy part of the stick. We often demand, we definitely insist, we continually argue for the needs to receive what we ask for. I know I did all along this process and rarely did I back down. As someone said numerous times to me, you need to know which one fight to pick and the one you can let go.
Recognizing Owners contribution does not in any way diminish your authority as some would make you believe. Chose well when to say it and express with genuine voice.
Do Say Thank You
I had a discussion with my future Director of Human Resources this week over a pleasant and delectable dinner and we were most passionate in our discussion to recognize Associates contributions, value their opinions, clearly express appreciation for their hard work and identify areas where they can grow.
In our discussion, we often mentioned the word support to the operating cast of Associates and what Managers need to do to help them perform. And saying a genuine thank you was clearly on top of our list.
As I expressed in my previous writings, Managers are the key to the success of any businesses. With their behavior they can drive positively and affect the performance of their team. Remember that your way of working and behavior style is contagious to your Managers and Associates.
Contrary to what we all think where money is the main contributing factor for Associates satisfaction at work, a recent survey shows that having good relationship with the immediate supervisor, good communication between employees and senior management as well as management recognition of their job performance ranks in the top 5 of Associates level of satisfaction within any sector of activities.
Being that we are in the "People" business, this becomes even more important.
I Say Thank You
In the past few months, I had the privileged and the honor to write using the ehotelier platform on the progress of my current assignment.
It has been so far quite an enjoyable journey. Some of my colleagues teased me and used the word "Professor". Some shared their comments and observations. But most importantly, I was humbled by the response of many young and forthcoming talents across many region of the world.
I am glad that the writings provide you with insight on working in this very captivating and dynamic country that is China. It is an ever changing and growing country with many opportunities and challenges that makes one's life stronger.
As read recently from a Danish writer who travelled and produced promotional movies on China Yangtze River "China has more than 5,000 years of history and I probably do not have enough than 1,000 to learn about it". By all account he is right as I learn every day. What was true yesterday is new today.
I take this opportunity to say thanks to Anne Edwards who gave me this forum to share my thoughts and experiences.
In this period of festivity as we are with family and friends sharing time and memories, gifts and good food, take the time to say thanks to Associates.
A joyful Christmas to you and your family as well as wishing all a healthy and successful 2014. Before I leave to join my family for Christmas, together with my team of 6, we will have our Holiday Lunch and I will buy some Christmas Stollen. A way to say thank you for the past few months.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."
Nelson Mandela
Yoland Perras
General Manager
Sheraton Wuhan Hankou Hotel
