Attention to detail is always a must for hospitality R & M and CapEx!
Although I have shared this story many times verbally, this is the first time I have committed it to paper. I attribute the story to two highly respected hospitality friends of mine; Bob Brock (nationally known hotelier who purchased the 5th franchise of Holiday Inns in the 1950’s) and one of his most valued General Managers, Willard Brittin. Although both have passed-on, I heard both men tell the story deep from their heart…..to point out to hotel staff and management “the importance of attention to detail”.
The “Black Box” of their object lesson is imaginary, yet effective!
• The owner of this Black Box is to carry it to a remote location within the hotel or on the hotel property, leave it behind and return to their office using a different route (through both guest and non-guest areas)….all the while looking at the many details that are noticeable (floors, finishes, lights, fabrics, mechanical, hardware, exteriors, landscaping, paving, etc.). When faulty issues are discovered they are to be noted and converted into “work orders”. Some concerns may be simple Repair & Maintenance projects while other discoveries will require future CapEx as a solution.
• In one week the owner of the Box is to return to the location using a different route. Again, the importance is giving full attention to the items and issues that are exposed on this additional new path to the imaginary Black Box. Upon reaching the Black Box it is moved to its new home in another remote location. Its owner returns to their office using a totally different route, all the while “recording for action” any newly observed concerns.
• Each week this task is to be repeated and “work orders” issued to correct various matters.
This Black Box exercise will do much to place a hotel far beyond its competition in resolving those small details that the staff so often overlooks and guests see! Try it!
To share the techniques that you have used to improve “attention to detail”……click here
