My Journey to Becoming a Hotel General Manager
Meta Description: Discover my journey towards becoming a hotel general manager, from early inspirations and educational pursuits to gaining practical experience and leadership skills. Learn about the possible challenges faced and also the continuous learning required to succeed in the hospitality industry.
The Inspiration
My interest in hospitality began during summer vacations when I was working in hotels for summer jobs. I was always intrigued by the seamless service, the attention to detail, and the warm welcomes we received at hotels. These experiences planted a seed in my mind, as well as my passion for traveling and management. And I knew that one day, I wanted to be part of this industry.
Strong Foundation
To achieve my goal, I know I need a solid educational background. I pursued a degree in Hospitality Management, where I am learning about the various aspects of hotel operations as well as sales and marketing etc, from front desk management to invoicing and marketing, food and beverage services, and financial planning. This education provides me with the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of running a hotel.
Practical Experience
Education alone isn’t enough for me to become a hotel general manager. Real work experience is crucial. I started my career in entry-level positions, working as a front desk agent and later as a front office manager. These roles taught me the importance of customer service, problem-solving, and effective communication. I learned how to handle guest complaints, manage reservations, and ensure that every guest had a pleasant stay!
Career Ladder
With a few years of experience “under my belt,” I moved into supervisory roles. As a front office supervisor, I was responsible for managing a team in Sweden (Stockholm, Comfort Hotel Arlanda Airport), coordinating with other departments, and ensuring that our operations ran smoothly. This role was a step up, as it required leadership skills and the ability to make quick decisions. I am a good leader I have heard but sometimes a leader must be strict too. Important to differ between being professional and personal.
Leadership Challenges
Every step of my journey has come with its own set of challenges. From handling difficult guests to managing staff conflicts, I’ve faced numerous situations that tested my patience and resilience. However, each challenge has been a learning opportunity, helping me grow both personally and professionally. My leadership skills have been tested also through these experiences, enabling me to motivate my team, resolve conflicts, and make good decisions under pressure and when needed.
Continuous Learning
This industry is always evolving, with new trends and technology coming regularly. To stay ahead, I make it a point to continuously learn and adapt as well as I can. I go to meetings, and stay updated with the latest hospitality trends and different systems etc. This commitment to learning ensures that I am well-prepared to handle the demands of a general manager role.
Planning Ahead
As I continue on my journey, I am excited about my future. My goal is not just to become a hotel general manager but to excel in the role. I want to create a positive and motivating work environment for my team, ensure exceptional service for our guests, and contribute to the overall success of my hotel. My leadership skills will be important in achieving these objectives, as they enable me to inspire and guide the team towards our goals.
Conclusion
Becoming a hotel general manager is a challenging but rewarding mission. It requires a lot like combination of education, experience, and a passion for hospitality. Tourism sector is not for everyone. I am committed to this goal of mine, and I look forward to the day when I can lead a hotel, creating good experiences for the guests and making a good working team. The journey may be long and time consuming and demanding, but with dedication and perseverance, I am confident that I will achieve my goal.