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Leadership Lessons from Mistakes

By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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Allow me to share a personal journey from the world of hospitality and, within it, a valuable lesson that has profoundly impacted my career and personal development. Over the years, I've been able to navigate through various phases, each brimming with unique challenges and rewards. Reflecting on these experiences, I want to emphasize a pivotal moment that shaped my professional trajectory and contributed significantly to my personal growth. In my earlier years, I had the opportunity to work closely with a leader I deeply admired. This individual possessed a charismatic persona, but an autocratic and self-centred leadership style lay beneath the charm. This manager wielded power through fear, concealing his true intentions behind a friendly facade. Working under his guidance meant hearing only what he wanted you to hear, with carefully crafted words meant to secure unwavering loyalty. I was closely associated with this leader for a substantial period, seeking to absorb his know...
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Navigating in the Luxury Hotel Industry: Balancing Costs and Excellence

By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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In luxury hotels, ma intaining an uncompromising level of luxury is essential. However, the challenge lies in managing the delicate balance between indulgence and cost control. As the industry faces escalating prices and the pressures of a fuel crisis, it becomes imperative for general managers overseeing luxury operations to develop effective strategies to sustain their teams, reduce turnover, and ensure guest satisfaction, all while delivering promised returns to investors.   One of the crucial areas to address is the management of payroll expenses. Luxury hotels rely on a highly skilled and dedicated workforce to provide exemplary service. Retaining these talented individuals is of utmost importance. The general manager and his human resources director must prioritize a comprehensive employee training program to achieve this. Investing in ongoing training ensures that team members have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the exceptional experiences expected by disc...
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A fair interview for a first time Hotel General Managers.

By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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  Are you going to be the new GM on the block? The significance of impartial evaluation in the hiring process cannot be overstated. Successful hospitality managers often feel like they are competing against an ocean of applicants, and it can be disheartening to have their hard work, and accomplishments go unnoticed. This is especially true for individuals who have invested years of effort in developing their skills only to be overlooked for a promotion.  Let's say it's your turn - you have successfully passed three interviews with positive feedback, and the opportunity to be selected for your first-time GM role is drawing closer. You excitedly imagine scenarios for your first day as the new hotel GM. You have thoroughly studied the company and are eagerly awaiting the final decision. However, as time passes, without any answer, you begin to analyze your last interview with the owners and wonder if you made any mistakes. You replay the interview in your mind, particularly the q...
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The importance of networking

By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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The Importance of Networking - Back to Basics  Networking is the act of building connections with the broader external community of the hotel, especially with the luxury community, to drive business. In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, networking has become more critical than ever before. It is an essential tool for success, especially in the hospitality industry.   As a business-savvy person, I understand the significance of networking to promote the brand and hotel. Networking allows us to connect with potential guests, build relationships with suppliers and vendors, and collaborate with other luxury players in the market to expand our reach. It is not just about attending social events but also about proactively speaking up for the brand and hotel itself, especially to external stakeholders.   Networking is crucial in connecting with the future of luxury travellers, i.e., millennials, for whom travel experiences revolve around social media and o...
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By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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  Are you a ROMANCER GM? The success of a hotel greatly depends also on the relationship between the general manager (GM) and the hotel owners or asset managing companies. In the constantly evolving hospitality industry, the GM's role has become increasingly challenging, making it crucial for them to establish and maintain a solid and productive relationship with the hotel’s owners. The ability of one to gain the trust of hotel owners is of utmost importance and requires a combination of determination, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Authenticity is critical in building trust and establishing a transparent connection with the owner, who becomes an ardent supporter in good and bad times. To start building a relationship with the owners, according to the Hilton GM Academy, the GM must be a "ROMANCER", which stands for : -Relationship led, -Open and flexible, -Mentally tough, -Ask and listen, -Non-reactive, -Creative, -Empathy, and -Real. Being relationship-led, the ...
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Encountering challenging situations with employees is common for managers and directors.

By Sotirios C Ikonomou
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Leadership  Introduction As a director who mentors and guides his managers, it is common to encounter challenging situations with these employees. However, a particular experience with a senior employee 4 years ago surprised me and gave me a professional alert. The employee in question had made significant progress in his career, and I admired his dedication and enthusiasm for our company's vision. However, his behaviour suddenly turned when he was held accountable for his department's performance. This short article explores the experience, the lessons learned, and the importance of stable behaviour in professional relationships. The Experience The senior employee had been making remarkable progress in his career path within the organization, and I often guided and mentored him along the way. However, during one of the most demanding periods at work, I had to be assertive and hold him accountable for the specific unstable performances of his department that occurred multiple t...
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