Michael Kooitje’s Post

A genuine intention to value your employees is a must in today's business culture and there are so many ways to do this through outstanding hospitality and hospitality partnerships. "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do; it’s about what you are doing now. Hold your business partners accountable to the same standard, ensuring they support and align with your company culture." — Henry Ford

Are you ready to discover the blueprint for triumph? 🏆 Welcome to GuestService’s Guide to Operational Excellence, where we unravel the secrets of achieving unparalleled success in the hospitality industry. 🌟 In this article, we’ll delve into the key strategies and practices that can transform your establishment into a beacon of excellence. Operational excellence is not just a lofty goal; it’s a mindset that permeates every aspect of your business. 💼 To achieve this, you must start by focusing on your employees. They are the lifeblood of your organization, and their engagement and satisfaction are paramount. 💬 Nurture a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning. 🌱 Provide them with the necessary tools and training to excel in their roles. When your team feels valued and motivated, they will go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service to your guests. 🌟 #OperationalExcellence #HospitalityIndustry #EmployeeEngagement #GuestService https://lnkd.in/gACWhiVU

Do you want to know the secret ingredient in every successful business? 🌟 Hospitality. When we think of hospitality, we often picture warm welcomes, comfortable accommodations, and attentive service in hotels and restaurants. But what if I told you that the spirit of hospitality extends far beyond the hospitality industry? In truth, hospitality is a crucial element in every business function, both internal and external. It's about creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, and cared for, whether they're colleagues, clients, or customers. Think about it: when you extend genuine warmth, empathy, and helpfulness in your professional interactions, you build stronger relationships, foster loyalty, and create a positive reputation for your business. 💼💡 I spent years working in the hospitality industry, and the lessons I learned there have been invaluable in my career and personal life. From anticipating needs and going the extra mile to resolve issues gracefully, the principles of hospitality have made me a better leader, communicator, and problem-solver. You know what, though? Hospitality isn't just a professional skill; it's a human trait that we should all cultivate. When we approach every interaction with a spirit of welcome, generosity, and care, we make the world a little bit brighter. 🌍✨ So, whether you're in hospitality, healthcare, finance, or any other field, I invite you to embrace the power of hospitality. Lead with warmth, listen with empathy, and serve with excellence. Your colleagues, clients, and community will thank you for it. 🤗 I'd love to hear your thoughts! How have you experienced or extended hospitality in your professional life? Share your stories in the comments below. 📝 #Hospitality #BusinessExcellence #LeadershipLessons #HumanSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #ServantLeadership

Summer is the perfect season for growth... both personally and professionally. Here’s our community's recommended summer reading list for you forward-thinking hoteliers. 📚👇 1. 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 by Danny Meyer Learn about hospitality that goes beyond service to create deep human connections. 2. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 by Enda L. A strategic guide for excelling in today’s competitive hospitality market. 3. 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Peter Venison Quick, actionable insights to sharpen your operational and leadership skills. 4. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟳 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 People by Stephen R. Covey Transform your approach to personal and professional success. 5. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 by Daniel Goleman Master emotional intelligence to enhance leadership and management. 6. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗵𝘆 by Simon Sinek Inspire your team by defining and communicating your business’s core purpose. 7. 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝘀!: 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀' 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 by Kevin Freiberg PH.D Explore creative strategies that defy traditional business norms. 8. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 by Ryan Holiday Use Stoic wisdom to turn challenges into successes. 9. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 by Michael J. Marquardt Foster innovation and engagement through the power of inquiry. 10. 𝗭𝗮𝗽𝗽! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 by Bill Byham Drive performance by empowering your team. What’s on your professional reading list this summer? Share your picks and let's exchange notes. #HospitalityLeadership #HotelManagement #Innovation #ProfessionalDevelopment #BookRecommendations HotelTechReport.com | The Leading Authority on Hotel Technology Follow me for more hotel software and technology insights.

Reflecting on my 15 years in hospitality technology so far! 🌟 What a great journey is has been. I have Olivia FitzGerald to thank! She gave me my first job in technology and I've been lucky enough to work with her a few times throughout my career. Here is a picture from the archives 😛 As I look back on my journey, here are some key learnings I've gathered along the way: 1️⃣ Building relationships is paramount. In this dynamic industry, everyone has a unique interpretation of what our products can do for them. By prioritising relationships, we create a foundation of trust and understanding, paving the way for meaningful connections and future opportunities. Remember, it's not just about what you're selling today, but also about cultivating long-term partnerships. 2️⃣ Understanding the difference between ""nice-to-have"" and ""necessity"" products is essential. When pitching our offerings, it's crucial to highlight the right points that resonate with our audience's needs. Not everyone will immediately see the value, so focusing on the most compelling aspects of our products helps make a stronger case. 3️⃣ Reputation is everything. Honesty, transparency, and staying ahead of the curve with new technologies are non-negotiables. Being a leader in embracing innovation not only builds credibility but also ensures we're always providing the best solutions for our clients. 4️⃣ Embrace a unique position in the industry As a consultant, I am able to draw on my years of experience working across various operators, pulling in resources from different companies, enabling me to provide unbiased expertise and offer tailored solutions that truly meet the needs of my clients. 5️⃣ Passion drives everything. Our love for the hospitality industry and our desire to make it better each day fuels our work. While technology plays a significant role in enhancing the dining experience, it's crucial to remember that hospitality is ultimately about people. Our dedication to improving experiences for both guests and staff remains at the heart of what we do. What learnings would you pass on? #HospitalityJourney #KeyLearnings #PassionForService

This post celebrates the profound impact of the Hospitality Industry on people's lives. From nurturing dreams to astonishing guests, every moment is filled with stories and memories. The service provided in this industry has the power to transform lives, making it a business centered on people. Embracing this ethos, we shape experiences that leave lasting impressions and shape destinies. We change lives. #HospitalityIndustry #PeopleBusiness

🌟 Embracing Growth and Excellence in Hospitality 🌟 In our industry, every day is a new opportunity to create lasting memories for our guests and inspire our teams to achieve excellence. Hospitality isn't just about providing services—it's about crafting experiences, building relationships, and fostering an environment of care and respect. As someone who has spent over 20 years in this field, I've learned that the secret to success lies in: ✅ Continuous Learning: The world of hospitality is ever-evolving. Embracing innovation and staying updated with trends is crucial. ✅ Team Empowerment: Our teams are the backbone of our success. When we invest in their growth and well-being, they shine. ✅ Guest-Centric Approach: Every guest interaction is an opportunity to create a story worth sharing. I invite all of you to reflect on your journey in this incredible industry. Let’s celebrate our wins, learn from challenges, and strive to uplift each other as we grow. Together, we can continue to redefine hospitality standards and make a meaningful impact. Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire each other to achieve even greater heights. #HospitalityLeadership #Teamwork #GuestExperience #GrowthMindset #Networking

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending Propels Talent and Training Conference in London, where leading hospitality operators gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Key themes included: The talent crisis: Addressing labour shortages and high turnover rates. Rising costs: Managing the impact of inflation, rent increases, and energy costs. Career progression: Highlighting the exciting and rewarding career paths available in hospitality. My biggest take away though, was a call to action from the people leaders in the room, "change the narrative." It was inspiring to hear stories of individuals who have built successful careers in hospitality, from entry-level roles to top leadership positions. (One brilliant story in particular "Glass collector to MD"). Let's change the narrative about hospitality. It's a dynamic industry with countless opportunities for growth and development.

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 💡Over the next 30 days, we're bringing you a daily insight into the hospitality industry. Stay tuned as we delve into trends, tips, and tactics that will revolutionise how you attract and retain top talent. Let’s navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality together! #JEHospitalityGroup #DailyInsight #HospitalityIndustry

What a conversation with Anthony Melchiorri and Glenn Haussman about talent retention in the hotel industry. The talent landscape has changed but there are solutions we just have to think differently. Thank you for having me! The link to the full video is in the comment. #hospitality #talent #employeeexperience