“Great leaders believe they work for their team, average leaders believe their teams work for them.”

Spoken by Alexander Den Heijer, known as a “Purposologist,” he is a Dutch inspirational speaker who has recently caught my eye.

In this quote, I heartily agree. In today’s business environment and particularly in hotels, successful managers lead from the trenches. Gone are the days when you can call the shots from your office. Back in the day, not once did I ever see the 3 best GMs I have ever worked for or the 3 best Rooms Directors I worked for, not once ever did I see them behind the Front Desk nor visit Housekeeping. Not once. Are you one of those? Those six men were great guys and very effective but you know what, it doesn’t work today.

We ask a awful lot from our people. They take heat from guests and there is always an extra room to clean just as fast as possible. How can we ask them to do this every day without being in there with them. Physical presence is essential but so is making sure that you know their contribution and acknowledge and reward them.

Shift and weekly meetings, generous praise, tangible thank yous, a well stocked cafeteria and your participation lets your team know that you work for them. But here is the little known benefit of this, only to those of you that listen. Ready?

If you take care of your people, they will take care of the guest. The guest will return time and time again and they will bring their money and then you manage that to profit. Take care of your people first and everything else falls into place. Don’t believe me, ask Richard Branson.

Believe it. Now go make it a GREAT DAY!!!