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 GM must focus on building a strong and friendly relationship with the owner. Showing warmth and being open to feedback, suggestions, and criticisms is essential.
The GM must be open and flexible, willing to change their plans and strategies according to the owner's requirements and remain mentally tough and resilient when facing challenging debates and tough conversations.
Asking questions and listening to the owner's opinions, thoughts, and suggestions is crucial.
The trusted GM must show that they value the owner's input and their ideas are vital in decision-making.
The GM must remain non-reactive, even if the owner vents their frustrations. It is essential to let them express themselves and listen to their concerns without becoming defensive.
The GM must be creative in finding solutions to problems. They must think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas to improve the hotel's performance.
Understanding the owner's needs and requirements is crucial. The GM must be able to put themselves in the owner's shoes and address their concerns accordingly.
Finally, the GM must be real and transparent in their communication with the owners. They must be honest about the hotel's performance and provide regular updates on progress.
In conclusion, the importan
ce of a strong and productive relationship between the GM and hotel owners or asset-managing companies cannot be overstated. To achieve success in this task, the GM must possess emotional intelligence, skill, and a deep understanding of each other's needs.
By following the ROMANCER recipe, the GM can establish a strong relationship that will benefit both the hotel and the owner.
The GM's passion, determination, and relationship-led approach will ultimately lead to a successful partnership between the two parties.
