HOTELS

Bart Berkey

Leaders During Difficult Times
November 14, 2008

I will do my best to make this the last reference to any negativity.

Yesterday our team had a meeting. We discussed how our hotels were performing and the challenges that lie ahead. Without a doubt, most industries are being affected by this downturn in the economy.

It seems that at a certain point, the media will tire of reporting on this and the attention of consumers will be redirected elsewhere. The restaurant by our office continues to have lines out the door, thousands of people will still hit the roads and the skies to travel for Thanksgiving, and clients will continue to have hotel needs.

At our meeting, my boss was very direct in her approach, delivered a message and showed three incredible characteristics:

1. She stated the facts objectively (a leader)
2. She involved the team to develop solutions that would enable us to succeed as a group (a partner)
3. She offered her time to be available if anyone had any concerns or additional questions (a "real" person)

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a leader that creates this type of environment. Sometimes it is just refreshing to talk it out--to understand that you're not alone. At my children's bus stop this morning, two other dads and I spent 10 extra minutes talking about the world's current situation and how we could help each other. We're committed to assisting one another as neighbors.

I have some ideas and resources that may be able to help others that are currently lost in this environment or need some direction. As 7,000 individuals read this blog monthly, I'm a little reluctant to offer my information, but feel it could help many of you or your industry friends. E-mail me and I will share some additional ideas with you.

Stay positive and good things will happen!

Posted by Bart Berkey on November 14, 2008 | Comments (2)