By Latanya Hughes
Faculty Member, Hospitality Management at American Public University
You have to be goal-oriented and focused to be successful in the hospitality industry. How far your career advances is contingent upon your flexibility and willingness to be open to correction and instruction. The range of careers in the industry is broad and includes gaming and casinos, cruise lines, hotels, motels, and resorts, and food and beverage services. In this vast, diverse, and competitive industry, anyone would benefit from a mentor.
When I entered the hospitality industry, I was fresh out of college and determined to take the industry by storm. I was interested in many areas of the industry, with my primary focus being in food and beverage. However, the more I got into the industry, the more overwhelmed I became. I became frustrated, because I became increasingly unsure what direction I wanted to go: stick with food and beverage or venture into the front office?
Other issues plagued me as well. As I tried to advance, I discovered I was not able to compete against other candidates. After speaking with my human resources manager, I was partnered with a seasoned hospitality professional that helped to guide me in the right direction. She took a vested interest in my personal and career goals and helped me to map out a plan.
I am currently mentoring a young lady who is in the food and beverage sector. This is an extremely competitive field, especially if you are interested in management of either the front of the house or back of the house. She was a front of the house manager, with specific experience in training and customer relations. Her standards were much higher than her employer’s; thus, she found herself challenged and uncomfortable in her work environment.
I spent time coaching her on different management techniques and ways to maneuver the minefield of her organization as it went through a series of changes. In the midst of the changes, she was able to increase her restaurant’s customer scores and improve employee performance. Although her values and standards did not align with the organization, she learned she could not allow that to negatively impact her ability to perform. Currently she is transitioning to a new location and pursuing a master’s degree to further her career aspirations.
According to Warren Bennis, “Mentors are trusted counselors or guides who provide direction toward a line of thought or inclination – developing personal concern and responsibility in assisting others.” My mentor shared her expertise with me and supported my efforts.
She did more than tell me what to do. She told me what not to do and how to handle different guest and employee situations. From my experience with my mentor, I became a highly sought after troubleshooter – which positioned me perfectly to always be a candidate of choice.
It gives me satisfaction to be able to now mentor others who are navigating their careers in the industry. My experiences as both mentor and mentee convince me that having a mentor in the hospitality industry will help position you for greatness.
About the Author:
Latanya Hughes is a motivated, personable results-oriented business professional with a Bachelor’s from Tuskegee University and her MBA from Strayer University. She is presently completing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership in Global Consulting from Regent University. She is a full-time faculty member at American Public University where she teaches courses in the Hospitality Management program.
Latanya has worked for over a decade across the hospitality industry, from food and beverage to hotels. She has a successful 14-year track record in improving operational efficiency and team effectiveness. For more about Latanya, click here.
Comments are closed.