Exclusive Interview | Vivek Keshri, Human Resources Manager, Avadh Utopia
/“One of the highlights of my journey has been the involvement in the preopening phase of several hotels. This exposed me to the challenges and excitement of setting up a new property, honing my skills in strategic planning and operational execution.”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My journey in the Hospitality industry has been an incredible adventure, one that I embarked upon right after graduating from the Gujarat Institute of Hotel Management. My initiation into the field began as an Apprentice at Taj Residency Vadodara, an experience that laid the foundation for my career.
Working with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) at Taj Residency Vadodara was an invaluable learning experience, and it set the tone for what would be a fulfilling career spanning several decades. Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing my skills and dedication to various esteemed brands such as Taj, Marriott's, Accor Hotels, and Carlson Hotel. Each of these experiences added a unique dimension to my understanding of the hospitality landscape. Notably, I also had the opportunity to be a part of the team at Madhubhan Resort & Spa, a distinguished Five Star Deluxe property in Gujarat. This particular experience provided me with insights into the nuances of managing a luxury establishment.
One of the highlights of my journey has been the involvement in the preopening phase of several hotels. This exposed me to the challenges and excitement of setting up a new property, honing my skills in strategic planning and operational execution.
Throughout my journey, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for the diverse facets of the hospitality industry. The dynamic nature of the field, coupled with the constant pursuit of excellence, has kept me engaged and motivated. I look back at my progression with gratitude for the opportunities, the challenges that have shaped me, and the remarkable colleagues and mentors who have played pivotal roles in my professional development.
In essence, my journey in the hospitality industry has been marked by continuous learning, growth, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. I am excited about the future and eager to contribute my skills to further elevate the standards of excellence in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
To succeed in this industry, I believe a combination of technical proficiency, adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for continuous learning is crucial.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Technical Proficiency: A solid understanding of the core technical aspects relevant to the industry is essential. Stay updated on the latest technologies, methodologies, and industry trends.
Adaptability: Industries are dynamic and subject to change. The ability to adapt to evolving technologies, market demands, and organizational structures is key. Be open to learning new skills and be proactive in embracing change. This includes being comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.
Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication is crucial. Whether you're dealing with team members, clients, or stakeholders, the ability to convey ideas clearly and collaborate is vital. Develop strong teamwork skills, as many projects require collaboration across diverse teams with different expertise.
Passion for Learning: Successful professionals in any industry have a genuine passion for what they do. This enthusiasm fuels a desire to constantly learn and grow. Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by seeking out new challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Problem-Solving Attitude: The ability to identify challenges, analyze problems, and propose effective solutions is highly valued. Employers appreciate individuals who don't just identify issues but actively contribute to solving them. Showcase your problem-solving skills through examples from your past experiences.
Networking: Establishing and nurturing professional relationships within the industry is key. Attend industry events, engage in online communities, and build a network of contacts. Networking not only opens up opportunities but also provides insights into industry trends and best practices.
Resilience and Perseverance: Challenges are inevitable, and setbacks may occur. The ability to bounce back from failures, learn from them, and persevere is a hallmark of successful individuals. Demonstrate your resilience by sharing stories of overcoming challenges in your career.
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team.
In the dynamic and demanding environment of the hotel industry, fostering an engaged, safe, and happy team is crucial for delivering exceptional experiences. Here are some key strategies I've employed to achieve this:
Open Communication: Establishing clear and open lines of communication is paramount. Regular team meetings, both formal and informal, provide a platform for everyone to share ideas, concerns, and successes. Encourage feedback and suggestions, making sure that team members feel heard and valued. This promotes a sense of ownership and involvement.
Training and Development: Invest in continuous training and development opportunities for the team. This not only enhances their skills but also demonstrates your commitment to their professional growth. Cross-training employees allows for versatility within the team and promotes a collaborative spirit.
Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements. Recognition can be both public and private, ranging from shout-outs in team meetings to more formal awards or incentives. Implementing a fair and transparent reward system fosters a positive and motivated work environment.
Safety Measures: Prioritize the safety of your team by ensuring that all necessary safety protocols are in place. Regular training on emergency procedures, hygiene standards, and proper use of equipment is essential. Regularly assess and update safety measures to align with industry standards and guidelines.
Wellness Programs: Implement wellness initiatives to support both the physical and mental well-being of your team. This could include access to fitness programs, mental health resources, or even arranging periodic health check-ups. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance demonstrates a genuine concern for the overall well-being of your team members.
Team-building Activities: Organize regular team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships. This can be anything from team outings to in-house activities that promote collaboration. Foster a sense of unity and teamwork, as it contributes to a positive and supportive work environment.
Flexible Scheduling: Recognize the importance of work-life balance by offering flexible shifts. This accommodates individual needs and fosters a sense of trust and understanding within the team.
By combining these strategies, I believe in creating a workplace culture where team members are engaged, feel secure, and take pride in their work. This, in turn, translates into exceptional service for our guests and contributes to the overall success of the hotel.
How are you using technology in Human Resources?
In my role in Human Resources, I leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance communication, and contribute to overall efficiency.
Additionally, I incorporate HR management software to centralize employee data, streamline onboarding processes, and manage performance evaluations. This not only ensures data accuracy but also provides a comprehensive overview of the workforce, enabling strategic decision-making. Automation tools help to simplify routine administrative tasks, freeing up time for HR professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives such as employee development and engagement.
Moreover, I stay updated on emerging technologies to explore their potential applications in HR. By embracing technology, I aim to create a more agile and data-driven HR function that aligns with the organization's goals and contributes to a positive employee experience.
What is your favorite interview question & why?
One of my favorite interview questions to ask candidates is, "Can you share a specific example of a challenging situation you faced in a previous role and how you successfully navigated through it?" This question allows me to assess several key aspects of a candidate's suitability for the position and their problem-solving skills.
Firstly, it provides insight into the candidate's ability to handle adversity and challenges in the workplace. Their response helps me understand if they can remain composed under pressure and if they have the resilience to overcome obstacles.
Secondly, the question allows me to evaluate their communication skills. A well-articulated response demonstrates the candidate's ability to convey complex situations clearly and concisely. It also gives me a sense of their level of self-awareness and reflective thinking.
Additionally, by asking for a specific example, I get a more tangible understanding of the candidate's practical experience and how they approach problem-solving in real-world scenarios. It enables me to gauge the depth of their expertise and the strategies they employ to achieve positive outcomes.
Ultimately, this question serves as a comprehensive tool to assess a candidate's interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and past experiences – all critical factors in determining their suitability for the role.
