Our terminology has become more contentious as we compose, frame and wage our efforts for consumer awareness and recognition of our various brands. In the last several years, we have had the 'Bed Wars'; then we moved into the 'Amenities War', ever ramping up our escalation of strategies and tactics to remain competitive or take the lead.
We denounce the "guerilla" tendencies of organized labor; we pour millions into "reconstruction" - more lodging options — new hotels, renovated or converted properties. We surgically strike using our political capital to crush global movements which threaten some standardization of product and service in our businesses. And, we debate in every forum available our position(s) on immigration, wages and health care, perhaps not understanding that this audience represents the very face of hospitality, in many cases, our ambassadors and associates.
The beneficiaries should be the consumer, the hospitality businesses which perform, and the elevated stature of excellence across the board. But, the messages and actions have become blurred and the objectives less than decisive and distinctive. Are we just shooting ourselves in the foot – again and again?
Offensives always begin with the politicians, those we have elected/hired to represent our best interests. Nationally, those are the members of congress, and they are doing a horrible job, mostly self-serving and scared of shadows. In hospitality, those politicians would be the executives of the International, National, State and Local Lodging and Restaurant Associations, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and Chambers of Commerce. Naturally, they call upon the generals and senior officers for status, statistics, analysis and counsel. This corps is usually composed of flag company executives, hotel/restaurant management companies and REITs. Everyone else is the "foot soldier", responding, as best they can, to the mission.
At some point, the players, at whichever level, must assess the campaign — those in the field questioning the generals, the generals tasking the leadership, and leadership recognizing the challenges and responding accordingly. Everyone has the obligation and responsibility to voice concern and demand accountability. If one chooses to remain silent, they have acquiesced and must ride the current tide. Oh, you silent majority.
Many in the Industry are doing a flat out wonderful job. Some destination marketing organizations are expert at rallying their troops, soliciting opinions, being inclusive, action and results oriented. The same can be said for many trade and professional associations. Some corporate entities have absolutely forged the way to enhance the guest experience. And, in every community we have individual contributors, who run thoughtful and inspiring businesses.
But, what about the poor consumer, who watches all of our machinations, is perhaps influenced by our marketing, confused when they see our standings in terms of wages paid and industry/staff turnover, and disappointed when they are tempted to the Hospitality landscape? Have we granted them "refugee status"? All they want is value for the price, expectations met as advertised, and, preferably a memorable experience rather than a host of surprises. Our employees watch too, as their wages are punctuated with shorter/split shifts and their employers seeking all sorts of avenues to deny benefits under the new health care legislation. In some instances, we have lost the battles, compromised the war, and wasted the whole enchilada. We can do better!
John Hendrie is the author of the LRA blog 'A Guy Walks In'. LRA is a leading research and consulting company in the emerging discipline of Customer Experience Management (CEM). We work with our clients to help them design and deliver consistently exceptional customer experiences in order to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy, and company growth and profitability. We have built a range of quality assurance, mystery shopping, research, training and consulting solutions to help them do so.
Today, we are a growing company operating in more than 120 countries throughout the world, servicing our clients from offices and resources in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific regions and helping clients such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the National Football League, Avis Budget Group, Madison Square Garden, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group deliver exceptional customer experiences. Every touch. Every time. For more information, visit www.LRAworldwide.com.