4 Skills You Need to Succeed in Hospitality Management

When you hear hospitality management, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it would be someone standing in a kitchen, dressed in the whites of a chef’s apron and hat.

Hospitality management has always been associated with aspiring chefs and restaurant owners. It’s what those who have a knack for cooking choose to pursue in college. Because of these associations, many automatically think that cooking is essential – and in some cases, the only – skill needed to pursue and do well in a hospitality management career. However, hospitality management is so much more than knowing how to cook food and serve it! 

By definition, hospitality management refers to the day-to-day management and supervision of fields and areas covered by the hospitality industry, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, theme parks, and conference centers. The goal of a hospitality manager is to ensure that guests feel warm and comfortable during their visit. Hence, hospitality managers typically deal with a lot of responsibilities on their plate, including events management and organization, destination marketing, and many more. 

If you want an idea of how stressful working in the hospitality industry can be, Mr. Moseby from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody is your guy! You’d have to deal with a whole bunch of employees, guests that can make a fuss, and scenarios that are sometimes downright crazy, all while putting on a smile for guests and customers. This is why it takes some special abilities to succeed in this field. Here are just some of the essential skills that you will need every day as a hospitality manager:

Customer Service 

As they say, denial is not just a river in Egypt (if you know what I mean). If you’re a hospitality manager, it is also a big no-no in your line of work when dealing with customers. The hospitality industry operates according to one simple rule: the customer is always right. After all, the entire point of hospitality is to make guests feel warm and welcome. This means moving heaven and earth to fulfill as many requests of theirs as possible and making sure that they are well taken care of, not to mention making sure that you don’t end up as the subject of a viral rant on social media.

In every industry, the manager should always be the one taking the initiative to spring into action, and the hospitality industry is no different. If you want to succeed as a hospitality manager, you’ve got to be prepared to give it all your all. 

Planning and Organization (Work…work…Work!)

When you go to a restaurant for a meal or on vacation, your aim is to have a good time. That’s what the product of the hospitality industry is: fun and good vibes all around. So even before the customer reaches their table, the hospitality manager is already on his/her toes. Making sure that every step for you is worthwhile (must be good with a red carpet).

Planning and organization should be one of your greatest assets.  You will be in charge of overseeing everything that goes into making a customer’s experience a pleasant one, including the logistics, operations, and workforce, while still ensuring that the establishment is profitable. If you are fond of organizing events and projects, this is the perfect career opportunity to put your skills to the test.

Communication and Leadership

Nothing underscores the importance of communication skills in the hospitality industry more than dealing with a “Karen”. With an impossible list of complaints and demands – among them only wanting to speak to the manager – the manager in question should put their foot down, while at the same time avoiding a scene. Now, imagine having to navigate such tricky situations every day.

Like it or not, working in hospitality means talking to – and working with – a large number of different people. As a manager, you don’t only have to deal with customers, but also your own team. It is your job to instruct and train them to work efficiently and face customers properly. Succeeding in the hospitality industry is a real test of communication and leadership abilities, as well as your ability to bring out your inner extrovert.

Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

Three things are certain: death, taxes, and hospitality managers encountering people from all over the world. The nature of the hospitality industry means that you will regularly be interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, be they customers or members of your staff. Hence, as a manager, you should be a pillar of support for diversity, respect, and acceptance of anyone regardless of cultural differences.

More than an open mind, however, you also need to take note of any cultural differences when it comes to customs and communication. Think of it as being a diplomat, but with everyday folks in addition to the occasional VIP. This way, you avoid any misunderstandings with your customers, which also helps them feel more at home.

So, do you think you’ve got what it takes? Well, we’re here to guide you. To learn more about hospitality management or other courses that may be for you, visit Edukasyon.ph now!