David Ubong Imeh

13/05/2024

WHY BEARDS SHOULD BE WELCOME IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A HAIRY TALE OF FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Think of the hospitality industry as a big family gathering. There are unspoken rules and expectations that everyone follows. But, just like any family, it's time to challenge these expectations and embrace the unique traits and personalities of each member. In this case, let's talk about beards.

You might think that beards don't belong at the dinner table, they're unkempt, unprofessional, and not in line with the dress code. But just like a quirky uncle who always tells the best jokes, a well-groomed beard can bring character, personality, and flair to any hospitality setting. And just like a grandmother who's always impeccably dressed, a well-groomed beard can be just as clean and presentable as a shaven face.

Although I personally do not like sporting a beard myself, I am going to try and put my case forward on why it is time to change the industry outlook and welcome beards to the hospitality industry.

The truth is that the hospitality industry, like many others, has certain unwritten rules and expectations that employees are expected to follow. For some reason, beards have become the enemy of this industry. But why? Is it because they are seen as unprofessional? Unhygienic? Scruffy? Well, it's time to challenge these stereotypes and give beards the respect they deserve.

Just like perfumes, beards are a personal choice, and like the various notes that make up a fragrance, they add depth, character, and a personal touch to one’s appearance. In fact, a well-groomed beard can be a style statement and a source of pride for its wearer.

A well-groomed beard can be just as clean as a shaven face. As long as the beard is kept clean and trimmed, there’s no reason for concern. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that beards are no more of a hazard than clean-shaven faces. So, the next time someone tells you that beards are a threat to hygiene, just smirk and flex your rebellious beard in response.

However, to understand one of the most important reasons why I opine that beards should be allowed in the hospitality industry, it's important to look at the concept of flexibility in the workplace.

In today's fast-paced world, employees are looking for workplaces that understand their needs and allow them to be their authentic selves. The hospitality industry is no exception. Employees in this industry are often working long hours, standing for long periods of time, and dealing with the stresses of a high-pressure environment. It’s not an industry where you can offer flexibility in terms of working from home lounging in your pajamas where the rooms get cleaned at the click of a button or where check-ins can be taken over a zoom call. Allowing employees to grow a beard, if they so choose, can help reduce some of this stress and make their work experience more enjoyable.

Think about it – a beard is a form of self-expression, much like a tattoo or a piercing. For many people, a beard is a symbol of pride, a symbol of strength, and a symbol of individuality. By allowing beards in the hospitality industry, employers are sending a clear message that they value their employees and recognize the importance of flexibility in the workplace.

It's also worth mentioning that beards can add a touch of creativity and personality to a workplace. Imagine walking into a restaurant expecting a clean-shaven, slicked-back hair server welcoming you but instead seeing a server with a neatly trimmed beard carrying an air of warmth and confidence in his walk. A refreshing change from the traditional, clean-shaven look that is often associated with the hospitality industry, isn’t it? By allowing beards, employers are not only sending a message of flexibility, but they are also creating a more dynamic and interesting workplace.

Another popular argument used is people asking won’t allowing beards lead to a lack of uniformity and professionalism? To that, I say, not necessarily. There’s a big difference between allowing beards and allowing unkempt, wild beards. It’s like the difference between a symphony and a cacophony - one is harmonious and pleasing to the ear, while the other is just noise. In the same way, having guidelines in place to ensure that beards are well-groomed and trimmed is key to maintaining professionalism.

To wrap it up, it's time to ditch the old-fashioned beliefs and embrace the new reality. I believe beards should be allowed in the hospitality industry because they are a form of self-expression, they promote hygiene, and they add creativity and personality to a workplace. By embracing flexibility in the workplace, employers can create a positive, supportive, and enjoyable work environment for all employees.

Let's give beards the respect they deserve. After all, a beard is just a collection of hair, not a symbol of unprofessionalism or uncleanliness. It's time to embrace change and allow beards in the hospitality industry. Who knows, they might just become the new trend and set a new standard for the industry.

08/05/2024

Beards are more-often-than-not considered a big no-no in the hospitality industry. Is it time the industry re-thinks the way beards are looked at? Read on to find out why!

I wrote something on "WHY BEARDS SHOULD BE WELCOME IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A HAIRY TALE OF FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE!" A topic that I do opine strongly with, albeit a controversial one! Do give it a read after it drops and share your thoughts!

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09/04/2024

Great men are not great by mistakes. They are testaments of endurance.

- Apostle Joshua Selman

01/04/2024

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU WANT TO EXCEL IN YOUR HOSPITALITY CAREER BY IMPROVING YOUR DELEGATION SKILLS

1. Know Thy Team

Understanding the individual strengths and weaknesses of your team members is paramount in effective delegation. Take the time to learn about your staff's skills, interests, and areas for improvement. This knowledge enables you to assign tasks that are well-suited to each person's abilities, leading to increased efficiency and job satisfaction. When employees feel their skills are being utilized and appreciated, it can lead to better performance and a more harmonious workplace.

2. Set Clear Goals

When delegating tasks, clarity is key. Ensure that each team member understands not only what is expected of them but also why the task is important and how it fits into the larger picture. This understanding fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Provide clear deadlines and the necessary resources to complete the task. Remember, successful delegation is not about relinquishing control but about creating a collaborative environment where everyone is working towards common goals.

3. Trust and Verify

Delegation requires a balance between trust and oversight. Trust your team to perform the tasks you've assigned, but also establish a system for follow-up and accountability. This doesn't mean micromanaging every detail; rather, it involves setting up checkpoints or milestones to ensure that progress is being made and standards are met. This approach not only keeps projects on track but also builds confidence within your team as they see their efforts leading to tangible results.

4. Empower and Support

Empowering your staff means providing them with the authority and resources they need to complete their tasks effectively. Support them by being available for questions and guidance without taking over. Encouraging initiative and allowing for some degree of autonomy can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic team. When employees feel supported and empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their roles and strive for excellence.

5. Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful delegation. It involves not only conveying what needs to be done but also listening to feedback and addressing concerns. Be open to discussions and provide constructive feedback that helps your team improve. Regular communication helps to build trust, ensures that everyone is on the same page, and can prevent misunderstandings that might otherwise lead to errors or delays.

6. Reflect and Adapt

Finally, reflecting on the outcomes of your delegation efforts is crucial for continuous improvement. Analyze what worked well and what didn't, and use these insights to adapt your approach. Recognize and celebrate successes with your team, and don't shy away from constructively discussing failures. This process of reflection and adaptation will not only improve your delegation skills over time but also foster a culture of learning and growth within your team.

27/03/2024

How as a SALES EXPERT or a GENERAL MANAGER, you can effectively market your hotel...

First of all, do market research of other hotels in the same standard with yours and find out what they are offering the market in terms of price, quantity and quality of service. Then you could offer more at a slightly higher price or less at a slightly lower price. But in the hospitality industry, people are ready to pay outrageous prices for quality service.

Attended conferences and events with your business cards and flyers. Make contacts and network especially among your fellow hoteliers. Most often, some well-established hotels have excess bookings. They only refer other clients to other hotels they have a relationship with.

Train your staff thoroughly especially, Front Office, Room Service, Waiters and Security. A happy and satisfied customer will come again and even refer their friends.

You must also have an active social media presence, especially on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Your website must be continually updated to showcase your latest meals, events, room service and other side attractions.

Cheers!!!

23/03/2024

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMUNICATION LACKS CLARITY AND CONCISENESS

1. IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE

Identifying the root cause of communication issues is the first step to improving clarity and conciseness. There could be various reasons why your communication is unclear or too wordy, such as lack of preparation or knowledge about the topic or customer, lack of confidence or assertiveness, distractions or interruptions, emotional stress or frustration, and language or cultural barriers. Once you pinpoint the source of your communication problem, you can take appropriate actions to address it. For example, if you lack preparation or knowledge, doing research, asking for help, and referring customers to someone who can assist them better may be beneficial. If you lack confidence or assertiveness, practicing communication skills, using positive affirmations, and seeking feedback may help. If you face distractions or interruptions, finding a quiet place, muting notifications, and rescheduling conversations are potential solutions. If you feel emotional stress or frustration, taking a deep breath, calming yourself down, and expressing feelings politely can help. If you encounter language or cultural barriers, using simple and plain language, avoiding jargon and slang, and using a translator or interpreter may be useful.

2. FOLLOW THE KISS PRINCIPLE

The KISS principle, or Keep It Simple and Straightforward, is a useful guideline to help you communicate effectively with your customers. To follow it, you should know your purpose and audience, use short and simple sentences and paragraphs, and employ active voice over passive voice. Additionally, be sure to use clear and specific words, as well as positive and polite language. You can also use transitions and signposts to connect your ideas, as well as examples, analogies, or visuals to illustrate them more clearly. Finally, by asking questions, summarizing, or paraphrasing your message you can check understanding and confirm your message. Following the KISS principle will help ensure that your communication is focused, relevant, and easy to comprehend for customers.

3. EDIT AND PROOFREAD YOUR COMMUNICATION

The final step to improve your clarity and conciseness is to edit and proofread your communication before you send it or say it. This process is important to check and correct for any errors, mistakes, or inconsistencies that may affect its quality and effectiveness. You should read or listen to your communication critically, checking for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Additionally, you should review the clarity, conciseness, coherence, and completeness of your message. Tone, style, and voice should also be checked for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of your information. Furthermore, consider any feedback or questions from customers and make necessary changes. Finally, review your communication again to ensure it meets your purpose and your audience's expectations. Editing and proofreading will help you enhance the quality of your communication and avoid any misunderstandings or confusion from customers.

HERE’S WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

18/03/2024

6 STEPS TO MANAGING YOUR STRESS LEVELS IN THE HOSPITALITY CAREER (Conclusion)

4. Seek support and feedback

The fourth step to managing your stress is to seek support and feedback. This means reaching out to your colleagues, managers, mentors, or peers for help, advice, or encouragement. You can also join a professional network, a community group, or an online forum to connect with other people in your field and share your experiences and challenges. You can also seek feedback from your customers, clients, or guests to improve your performance and satisfaction. You can use surveys, reviews, or testimonials to gather feedback and learn from it.

6. Have fun and enjoy

The sixth and final step to managing your stress is to have fun and enjoy. This means finding joy and meaning in your work and appreciating the positive aspects of your job. You can also have fun and enjoy your hobbies, interests, and passions outside of work, and balance your work and personal life. You can also express your creativity, personality, and style in your work, and add some humor, fun, and flair to your interactions. You can also be grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and people that your job brings to your life.

7. Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

18/03/2024

IF YOU ARE GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW YOU NEED TO:
•Research the organisation
•Research the industry
•Research the role
•Dress smartly
•Be confident
•Sell yourself excellently but don’t lie
•Smile and relax
•Back up your answers with examples

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS MIGHT FOCUS ON:
•Your ability to think creatively
•Your ability to solve problems
•Your ability to make bold decisions
•Communication skills
•Presentation/report writing skills (in some instances)
•If you can fit in

TIPS FOR ACING INTERVIEWS:
•The interview starts once you enter the building. Be self-aware
•Listen to questions carefully. If unclear, seek clarification
•Make eye contact
•Use examples to back up answers
•Ask questions at the end
•Thank the interviewer(s) by name

PS: Share this post if you find it useful.

16/03/2024

7 STEPS TO MANAGING YOUR STRESS LEVELS IN THE HOSPITALITY CARRER

1. Identify your stressors.

The first step to managing your stress is to identify what triggers it. Is it a specific task, a colleague, a boss, a customer, or something else? Once you know what causes you stress, you can try to avoid it, change it, or accept it. For example, if you find a certain task overwhelming, you can delegate it, break it down, or ask for help. If you have a conflict with someone, you can try to resolve it, communicate better, or distance yourself. If you can't change or avoid a stressor, you can try to adjust your attitude and perspective towards it.

11/11/2023

25/03/2023

If you know what these four are planning against the, Press, Mainstream Media, and Social Media, your jaw will drop. Even those who supported them, will suffer the consequences of their plans.

These ones can do anything and everything to keep the stolen mandate, using the press.

22/03/2023

is a jinx breaker.

👉🏼 First governor to regain his mandate through court in Nigeria.

👉🏼 First person to introduce staggered election in our Electoral system in 2007.

👉🏼 First governor to win without structure in 2003 with APGA in Anambra state.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate to contest for office of the president telling the Electorates that he is not giving them a dime (shi shi) yet they followed him happily.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate to s challenge the big dominant parties without an elected representative in government. (NO STRUCTURE)

👉🏼 First person in Nigeria to win equal states (12 states) with the ruling parties ( even without BVAS/IReV & in APC's anxiously procured/fake results hurriedly announced & defended by criminally infamous prof Yakubu) during collation of results with a party without structure.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate to use a small party to win more than 40 seats in National Assembly in his first attempt.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate to attract over 1 billion viewers worldwide each time he appears on TV.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate that made okada rider and bus driver to unseat great legislators in Nigeria during parliamentary election.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate that denied PDP and APC 25% of votes in FCT since 1999.

👉🏼 First person to defeat a presidential candidate Tinubu and another running mate Okowa in their home states.

👉🏼 First presidential candidate made over 11m people to register to vote.

👉🏼 First and only presidential candidate that gave the youths and old people hope to vote and fight for a better Nigeria since 1999.

🇳🇬