Be true to your hospitable self.
Updated: Nov 8, 2019
Hospitality is not for the faint of heart. It feels like a non stop, 24-hour a day mind race where the finish line seems like a mirage. Days filled with phone calls, emails, to do lists, happy guests an unhappy guests, and somewhere in there you have to remember to eat. Sounds like a dream job, right?
It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day and not remember why you're in this. Did you just get yelled at by a stressed out bride and need to return 5 other calls and remain perky? Believe me, it happens to all of us, and we're expected to shake it off, but it's easier said than done. Here are a few exercises I use to get through those less-than-awesome days:
* TAKE A WALK, TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Sounds ridiculous, but it can act as a reset button. Get away from your laptop or cell and get some fresh air. Enjoy the sky, trees, flowers, even the rain, and remember that there is a bigger world out there and the negative exchange is a very small part of it.
* VENT. Whether verbal or written, just not at your client, lol. You do need to get it out of your system, though. Unfortunately for my team, it's usually verbal. (Sorry, I really love you guys!)
*CUTE ANIMAL VIDEOS. Seriously, it helps.
And whatever you do, DO NOT SEND THAT EMAIL. Did you receive a snarky email and you are ready to respond, written guns-a-blazin'? DON'T DO IT. It's never worth it. Leave your email in DRAFTS until the end of the day and then respond. If you need a second set of eyes to judge your response, do it. You are in hospitality and your consideration is a big part of your success.
Never forget why you're in this industry. Are some days better than others? Hells yes, but we aim to provide our clients with considerate, kind service, and they (well, most) deserve it. Be true to the you who chose this profession. Maintain your integrity by taking control of your responses, which most of the time, may be the only thing we can control! Own the true, hospitable, YOU!
