There is wisdom in that silly old bear. Can it apply to how we do business and how we handle our people? A.A. Milne said, through Pooh,

“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.”

Have you ever looked at the very small flowers on common weeds? Not just dandelions but those along a field or deep in a forest. The thorniest of weeds can have the most delicate teeny, tiny, beautiful flower. You have to find beauty where it is, right? When you study a little about the flora where you live, you will never be disappointed by the diversity of beauty. So too, as you study the subtleties of your team. The more you get to know the teeny tiny details of their talents and their skills and what makes them tick and what motivates them, the more (work) beauty you’ll discover.

As a manager, especially in hotels, you can use that knowledge to fit the square pegs into the square holes. You can fit their talents into a job in which they will excel. You should never lose someone in the hotel business except for gross negligence or insubordination.

I spoke to a real nice guy with Pride Hospitality yesterday, who was explaining to me his recruiting theory and efforts. It boils down to find and identify young talent and teach them right. Mold them to with your talents and company goals, make them an extension of your thinking and performance. Do it right. Do your best. Be your best.

If you see a weed today, don’t discard it, cultivate it. Time to get back into it and Make Today a GREAT DAY!!!