Recently business has been beset by the Economy, 911, Job Loss, Oil, the continued war in Iraq, alarming new diseases, e-commerce discounting and even our old friend "Mad Cow" disease came back (Who names these things?).

At every turn, there is something that we did not see coming, but we know when the Olympics are going to end.

Some of life's surprises are good and some are bad, but we seem to be constantly contending with more than we bargained for, or less than we think we need. 

The task of rebounding from these changes is becoming almost a full-time job. Never-ending change has exposed China's hotel industry to a degree of vulnerability that is unique.

The only thing we know for sure is that the way we are doing business for China's hotel industry will soon change and then change again. The fact that the hospitality industry is at the top of the list of industries tied directly to the economy means that this vulnerability will have a more extreme effect on them than most industries.

Change is not an event, it is a process caused by an event (Olympics are over) Also, it may be brought on by positive circumstances such growth of technology, or negative influences such as economic, political, social downturns. Regardless of the origin of these changes, it is going to continue.

You will have to contend with major continued changes in the future, and learn how to become successful and not lose focus on the goals of the business.

How do you get ready for the unexpected?

The answer is to create an environment in which one can respond to the changing conditions produced by change quickly.

Decades of deeply ingrained habits and traditional hotel traditions must be forgotten. In their place new perspectives, focuses and frameworks must be embraced. It won't be easy, but it won't be difficult either!

What is your perception?

The ability to handle the pressures of change is a matter of one's perception. Your perception is your reality. Problems that interrupt our daily routine are going to continue to happen.  These are major issues for one individual but may provoke a totally different reaction in another.

The individual reaction to change should not make it difficult to introduce positive procedures to the many hotels that are going to experience sinking occupancies and revenue losses.

Some managers view uncontrollable events thinking that it means confusion; for others the ability to act quickly in a difficult situation is the basis of their success.

If you are to lead and thrive in the face of constant change, you must act and not react.

• Identify the problem
• Open discussion immediately
• Do not abort the long term plans
• Establish new goals
• Choose winners not losers

This ability to be prepared for anything and react accordingly must be brought out in your hotel. Communication is very important since your employees draw on whatever prior knowledge they have that might be relevant to the unfamiliar and unforeseen circumstances they are now facing.

When you as a leader need to make changes within your organization, whether it is downsizing, controlling expenses or expanding your revenue base, you must display confidence and trust in your employees understanding of the problem.  I have had a great deal of experience in this area having worked through the "96 Olympics" both Worlds Fairs (Knoxville and New Orleans) the Olympics in Los Angeles, Winter Olympics and many other world events.

Success will occur in a difficult situation if people are provided with a sense of trust, involvement and to work as a team for future planning. They will manage the process for themselves and arrive at positive solutions that they will take ownership in.

if your management team works with you successfully with whatever changes are planned, they must be able to solve problems themselves and exploit opportunities in a manner that contributes to the accomplishment of their goals.

Many hotel companies are loosing time and profit by having to deal with the drastic changes brought about by recent developments that are out of our control and never faced before. The pressure on you and your employees is overwhelming. You need someone who has the experience and background to guide you through this maze of opportunities.

Management should keep their employees involved in the endless change and innovation process. They must accept the fact that things are ever changing. It is important to introduce important changes without over-extending their employee's ability to adapt. 

Some bosses need to go away.

Some managers prefer an organization ruled by fear-based motivation, not trust based motivation. They feel that this maintains the security of their position and does not allow anyone to become a threat to their authority. This creates a great deal of emotional strain and physical tension.

Those companies that allow this to happen suffer from the highest rate of staff turnover and loss of revenue. They would rather replace employees than invest in new contemporary leaders who can handle change and team building, thus remaining profitable. These managers need to be moved out of the organization.

Many of us have already experienced the result of this type of manager and have paid the accompanying costs. Any company unable to maintain the pace and handle the complexity cannot expect to survive. Leaders must not only correctly predict and determine what must be done; they must also successfully execute these directives. If not, they will sink deeper into debt and fail.

If anyone would like to discuss ways and actions that need to take place as to improving profit and maintaining sales give me a call and I will be more than willing to review with you at no charge. I want to share the experience and knowledge  I have.

Rick Welch CHA, CHME is currently President of the Lakeshore Group a Professional Hospitality Management Company that specializes in advising members of the major hotel companies as it relates to Hospitality Operations/Sales marketing matters, specializing in all aspects of Hotel Asset Management, Advertising, Promotion and International Marketing.

He has obtained the prestigious CHA and CHME designations from the American Hotel Association and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association.

He has written Marketing Articles that have been published by AH&LA, Hotel/ Motel Management Magazine, AAHOA Magazine, Hotel Online.com, Hotel Resources.com and 4hotels.com. He currently serves on the board of directors of The Georgia Hospitality and Lodging Association and a number of local charities. 

His previous positions included managing Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Vice President of Marketing for Day's Inns of America ,(25,000 hotel rooms) Vice President for US Franchise Systems Best Inns and Suites. 

Rick has also excelled as an Asset Manager for hospitality REIT'S. 

Rick started his career with Sheraton Hotels as a management trainee.

Google: Rick Welch CHA, CHME

Richard J. Welch, CHA, CHME
President
The Lakeshore Group
2034 Ivy Ridge Rd.
Smyrna, GA. 30080  USA

rjwelch11@aol.com
Office:     (770)-436-2867    
Cl:     (404)-285-4771