Things they didn't teach in hotel school.

1)   Spend at least a few months in Stewarding! You will learn to clean up all sorts of shit, learning to clean up shit will come in handy later.

2)   Spend a few months in Housekeeping! Back-breaking work! You will quickly understand the dignity of labour.

3)   Spend some time in the Kitchen! You will understand the concept of mise-en-place!

4)   Learn the art of kindness your staff today could be your boss tomorrow.

5)   Learn to eat humble pie! Practice the “the art of humility” -your staff and your customers are always your best teacher.

6)   Learn to smile while you eat a shit sandwich! You will receive loads of if so you might as well enjoy it.

7)   Eat in the staff cafeteria as often as you can! And don’t waste time eating alone!

8)   MBWA-manage mentor by walking around.

9)   Make your associate entrance more exciting than your guest entrance.

10) Help serve/cook breakfast for your guests whenever you can.

11) Help your Housekeeping strip beds whenever you can.

12) Inspect at least 3 guest rooms per week. (adjust for a larger hotel)

13) Reply to all your guest's posts on TripAdvisor.

14) Know what drives your NPS, just as well as what drives your RGI.

15) Running a hotel is not rocket science…follow the KISS principle. (keep it straight & simple)

16) Occasionally go back to lessons 1 or 2 it will keep you grounded. If all else fails you can go back to doing these roles.

17) Learn to do sales calls-you are always selling something.

18) Meditation, mindfulness, marathons, MMA- whatever rocks your boat! Find it, do it. Trust me! Thank me later.

19) Manage your boss, before he manages you!

20) Owner relationship! (repeat this mantra 3 times) It’s easier to replace a GM, than it is to find an new owner.