Exclusive Interview | Prof. Nafees Haider Naqvi, Director - School of Hospitality & Tourism, Jagran Lakecity University Bhopal
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“JUB TAK KAROGE NAHIN TOO KARWAOGE KAISE”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
It was in 1998 I was enrolled in B.Com with AMU, Aligarh then I read an article in TOI about hotel management, it was so fascinating and as I always wanted to do something different in life so I landed in IHM Bhopal, obviously it was not easy at that time, the most illogical logic I heard during those days was “Bawarchi Banoge, Baira Banna Hai Kya” and my father was worried about the exposure to the alcohol in the industry.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Commitment: One should be committed to the chosen filed rather comparing with another
Honour People: As the industry evolves around People, one should know to honour people and their needs are they are guest or coworkers
An eye for Detail: The smallest details must be adhered to as small things lead to guest satisfaction. From the way a vanity counter is set to the presentation of the food, to the serving of the food/wine/beverage, to the room preparedness, bed turn-down, to the wake-up call, all aspects are important to your guests.
Teamwork Leadership: Highly-effective hospitality employee knows how to work and cooperate with other team members. Great hospitality staff demonstrates strong leadership skills. They must be able to lead the team in certain projects and make sure that the operation runs efficiently.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
All the above attributes should have industry exposure, Proud & Passionate about the Hospitality Industry, most importantly one who can play different roles. Anyone looking at teaching as an easy job then they should not contact me. You may reach me: nafees.naqvi@jlu.edu.in
Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
First of all, they should leave the baggage of their EGO at home. Should flow with the current rather forcing yourself to the other direction. Built the repo with seniors first then everything will fall in place and you will enjoy. Look at every job with following – “JUB TAK KAROGE NAHIN TOO KARWAOGE KAISE” as it is just a learning phase. Never ever opt for training from your local/home area.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Sustainability, Globalization, Healthy Dining & Practices, Automation
Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech that students/learners should work on while in college?
Every college should have licensed PMS of repute and the one which is practically opted by industry, in a group of colleges or university Hospitality students should collaborate with Computer Science students and develop something for Industry or for their University.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
1) Selection Criteria for Fresher’s, packages offered for Jobs & Training;
2) HRs should work out on Happiness Quotient of the employee
Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
Creating Better Hoteliers and a name for JLU School of Hospitality & Tourism, Bhopal for Industry to find Best Hospitality & Tourism graduates.
