Staying in tune with the eco-system is half the battle won

As Thomas Jefferson very rightly said ‘In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock’. Indeed, running a hotel is a huge responsibility and the GM is the one accountable for all stakeholders and for ensuring the well-being of guests and associates, besides the health of the business, return on investments, brand deliverables and commitment to society and the environment.

Since I joined the industry with an open and keen mind – not assuming anything or expecting something specific – each day here has been an immense learning curve with the right measure of trials and tribulations.  My role today touches every aspect of the business, with tremendous scope for creativity, storytelling and detailing of lifestyle offerings. There has never been a dull moment to think of another career option, especially in view of friends made and relationships built, spanning over three delightful decades. 

Placing people on priority has helped me create a culture where positive guest experience is the norm, not the exception, after all, it is a ‘people’s industry’.

MANAGEMENT STYLE

I would like to quote Jack Welch who said ‘Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success s all about growing others’. It is critical to ensure that your associates feel cared for and are well-trained in their field. The fact that a proud employee will build a better relationship with guests, thus cementing loyalty to the organisation, has been proved time and again.

When it comes to team-building, my aim is to hire, train and develop the team into confident, competent and committed professionals who not only deliver distinct brand experiences to guests in highly competitive segments but do so with utmost sincerity and grace thereby paving the path for successful and fulfilling careers. 

Therefore, one must invest the required resources in training and in ensuring that the teams stay well-informed and are abreast with the ever-evolving times and trends. This has always been my first priority and I'm proud to cultivate and nurture an environment where my teams are on a constant quest of wanting to deliver nothing but the best.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Aloft also pays undivided attention to sustainability in business. Even as its very first hotel, opened in Aerocity, the ethos was about being totally plastic-free. The trend continues and we very proudly confirm that we do not use single-use plastic anywhere in our hotel. We also have a sharp focus on the triple policy of "revive, recycle and reuse", with a view to reducing the adverse effects on the environment.

No one can predict what the future will bring, but it is sure to hold great promise should one explore it with positivity as it unfolds. I firmly believe that if one's actions stay in tune with the eco-system, half the battle is won. What worked yesterday will not hold today, and tomorrow will need a mind that's far more prepared and has great agility.

DON'T BE GENDER-CONSCIOUS AT WORK

I am extremely proud to have been born a woman, but never see myself as a woman when it comes to my work. The gender aspect never crossed my mind as a professional, as I had an equal-opportunity environment at home, school and during my higher education. I've never seen my assignment through a prism of gender; instead, I have always followed a principle of 'I can and I will'. If one is professionally sound, challenges just melt away, creating the way for opportunities.

My message to aspiring woman hoteliers is: Believe in yourself and evolve every day, getting better than before. And really get to know your job, as you can't make a start without it.