Exclusive Interview | Rohit Batra, Cluster Quality and Learning Manager, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
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“By having a universal translator device, people could connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It would also help to preserve and protect endangered languages and cultures by allowing them to be passed down to future generations”
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, and happy team.
My tips for keeping an engaged and happy team in a resort:
1. Clear communication: To ensure that there is open and clear communication between team members and management. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, an internal communication platform, or other methods.
2. Recognition and appreciation: Recognize and appreciate the hard work and achievements of team members. This can be done through verbal praise, rewards, or other forms of recognition.
3. Professional development: Provide opportunities for team members to grow and develop their skills through training, workshops, or mentorship programs.
4. Positive work environment: Foster a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, inclusivity, and diversity. Encourage team members to collaborate and support one another.
5. Employee wellness: Prioritize employee wellness by offering access to mental health resources, employee assistance programs, or other wellness initiatives.
6. Regular feedback: Collect regular feedback from team members to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to keep the team engaged and happy.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Succeeding in the hospitality industry requires a combination of skills, traits, and knowledge.
Here are some key factors that contribute to success in the hospitality industry:
1. Guest-centric mindset: Providing exceptional guest experiences is at the core of the hospitality industry. Succeeding in this industry requires a genuine focus on guest satisfaction, understanding guest needs, and going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
2. Adaptability and flexibility: The hospitality industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Succeeding in this industry requires the ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, and trends while remaining flexible and open to new ideas.
3. Strong communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in the hospitality industry, as it involves interacting with guests, team members, and other stakeholders. Succeeding in this industry requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to listen actively and empathize with others.
4. Attention to detail: The hospitality industry is highly competitive, and even the smallest details can make a significant difference in guest satisfaction. Succeeding in this industry requires a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience, from cleanliness to presentation, is of the highest standard.
5. Leadership and management skills: The hospitality industry requires strong leadership and management skills, as it involves overseeing teams, managing budgets, and ensuring that operations run smoothly. Succeeding in this industry requires the ability to inspire and motivate team members, delegate tasks effectively, and make informed decisions that drive business growth.
6. Continuous learning and improvement: The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices is essential for success. Succeeding in this industry requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, seeking feedback from guests and team members, and implementing changes to enhance the guest experience.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future.
Here are five skills that will be critical for a hospitality career in the future:
1. Digital literacy: The hospitality industry is becoming increasingly digital, with advancements in technology and digital platforms transforming the way businesses operate and interact with guests. We will require a strong understanding of digital tools, software, and systems, as well as the ability to leverage technology to enhance the guest experience.
2. Data analysis and interpretation: The hospitality industry generates vast amounts of data, from guest feedback to operational metrics. We will require the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret this data to make informed decisions that drive business growth and improve guest satisfaction.
3. Sustainability and environmental awareness: The hospitality industry has a significant environmental impact, and there is growing pressure to become more sustainable and eco-friendlier. We will require a strong understanding of sustainable practices, energy conservation, and waste reduction, as well as the ability to implement initiatives that minimize the industry’s environmental footprint.
4. Cultural competence and sensitivity: The hospitality industry is becoming increasingly diverse, with guests and team members from different backgrounds and cultures. We will require a strong understanding of different cultures, traditions, and customs, as well as the ability to be culturally competent and sensitive in all interactions with guests and team members.
5. Emotional intelligence and empathy: The hospitality industry is highly customer- focused, and success in this industry requires the ability to understand and respond to guest needs and preferences. We will require strong emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to provide exceptional guest service by anticipating guest needs and exceeding expectations.
These skills will be essential for success in the competitive and evolving hospitality industry.
What does not exist in the world, but you would like it to?
I can provide insights on a hypothetical concept that could benefit the society.
One concept that does not exist in the world but would be highly beneficial is a universal translator device. This device would be capable of translating any language in real-time, allowing people from different linguistic backgrounds to communicate seamlessly. The significance of such a device lies in its potential to bridge language barriers and promote global understanding and cooperation. It would enable people to travel to foreign countries without worrying about language barriers, facilitate international business and trade, and allow for more effective communication in diverse communities.
By having a universal translator device, people could connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It would also help to preserve and protect endangered languages and cultures by allowing them to be passed down to future generations.
In summary, a universal translator device would be a highly beneficial invention that could bridge language barriers, promote global understanding and cooperation, and help preserve and protect endangered languages and cultures.
How do you think AI will impact our industry? Specific jobs, processes etc?
AI has the potential to significantly impact the hospitality industry in several ways. Here are some of the ways AI is likely to transform the hospitality industry:
1. Personalization: AI can help personalize guest experiences by analyzing guest data and preferences. AI-powered systems can learn from guest interactions and adapt recommendations, services, and amenities to meet individual guest needs and preferences, resulting in a more tailored and memorable guest experience.
2. Efficiency and automation: AI can help automate routine tasks and processes in the hospitality industry, such as check-in/check-out, room assignments, and guest services. By automating these tasks, AI can help reduce wait times, improve accuracy, and increase overall efficiency, freeing up team members to focus on providing exceptional guest service.
3. Guest engagement: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help enhance guest engagement by providing instant, 24/7 support and answering common guest queries. These AI-powered systems can also help streamline the guest experience by automating tasks such as reservations, room bookings, and special requests.
4. Predictive analytics: AI can help analyze vast amounts of guest data to identify trends, preferences, and patterns. By leveraging predictive analytics, hospitality businesses can gain valuable insights into guest behavior and preferences, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive business growth and improve guest satisfaction.
5. Sustainability: AI can help optimize energy consumption and resource usage in the hospitality industry, leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. AI-powered systems can help monitor and control energy usage, waste management, and water consumption, reducing the industry’s environmental footprint and lowering operational costs.
By embracing AI, hospitality businesses can stay competitive, improve guest satisfaction, and drive long-term success in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.
