The importance of mentoring in the hospitality industry
by Laxmi Todiwan
In the world of mentoring, it’s often said that a mentor feels an immense sense of fulfilment and pride when their mentee surpasses them. It’s through this continuous cycle of learning from one another that we grow and evolve as individuals and professionals
As I woke up one morning, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a heartfelt message from my mentee, expressing gratitude for the guidance and support I had provided. Along with the message was a video clip of my mentee’s recent presentation, where they had excelled in their delivery. The message read, “Thank you for all the guidance and doing things perfectly. Sharing a clip of my comparing…every time I hold the mike I think of you. How perfectly you did it Ma’am.
While I may not consider myself perfect, the fact that my mentee thinks of me as a role model and strives to emulate my skills fills me with immense pride. It’s a testament to the power of mentoring and the impact it can have on shaping the careers and lives of individuals. As mentors, we have a responsibility to guide and support our mentees, imparting our knowledge and skills to help them achieve their goals. And when we see them succeed, it’s a reflection of our own success as mentors.
The hospitality industry, known for its high-pressure work environment, places a premium on quality service delivery and guest experience.
Mentoring has become a crucial aspect of professional development in this industry, enabling experienced managers, supervisors, and mentors to guide new employees, students, and women in navigating the industry successfully.
The benefits of mentoring are manifold, such as providing guidance, support, and practical skills critical for success in the industry. Mentoring takes on many forms, whether it’s a formal program offered by the organisation or an informal relationship between two individuals. Regardless of the form it takes, mentoring is a valuable tool for career development for any professional. Many mentors believe that mentoring is a crucial aspect of people’s lives and it brings a sense of fulfilment to their work. They often express that assisting others in achieving their career goals is the most rewarding contribution they can make in their own professional lives. New employees For new employees, mentors can provide on-the-job training, support, and guidance, helping them to quickly acclimate to their new roles. Managers can mentor new employees on how to handle different guest scenarios, including handling complaints, managing difficult guests, and delivering exceptional customer service. Similarly, supervisors can mentor junior staff on how to manage their time effectively, prioritise tasks, and meet targets.
Women team members
Mentoring is particularly important for women in the hospitality industry, given the many challenges they face. A mentor can help women navigate the challenges of breaking into this industry, provide advice on how to build a strong professional network, and offer support and guidance throughout their careers. Women are often underrepresented in leadership positions and more likely to experience discrimination and harassment. Having a mentor who can provide guidance and support can help them overcome these challenges and achieve success in their careers.
Managers and leaders
Hotel managers can also benefit from having a mentor who can provide guidance and support in areas such as leadership development, decision-making, and conflict resolution. They can also offer insights into industry trends and best practices, helping managers to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Students and interns
Students pursuing careers in the hotel industry can also benefit from having a mentor. Mentors can provide guidance on career paths, internship opportunities, industry trends, offer insights into the industry dynamics. They can also offer advice on how to build a strong resume and prepare for interviews as well as provide networking opportunities.
Mentoring is an essential tool for professional development.
It plays a significant role in shaping the career path of hotel managers, new employees, students, and women alike. The hospitality industry is a dynamic and fast-paced industry that requires professionals to be constantly adapting to new trends, technologies, and customer preferences. Mentoring is a valuable tool that can help professionals navigate these changes and stay ahead of the curve. With the right guidance and support, employees in the hospitality industry can achieve their career goals and deliver exceptional service to guests.
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