In this article, we will delve into a wide range of invaluable strategies that can empower you to embark on a successful journey and continually progress within the ever-evolving hospitality industry.
Whether you're just starting out or seeking to take your career to new heights, we've got you covered with a whole host of insights that will help fuel your passion to progress within this exciting and fast paced sector.
So, let's dive in and uncover the essential tools and strategies that help will shape your path to success in the world of hospitality.
Finding your talent, where do you shine?
To work within the industry at any level you must be a hard worker. It also pays to be a team player.
In the hospitality businesses the hours are can be long and often require being on your feet for the best part of the working day . This is why finding a job role you enjoy is so important.
It will take time to explore the large variety of different areas within the industry . This is why the most crucial first step to beginning your career in hospitality is discovering which area you are passionate about.
Are you a social butterfly who thrives communicating with customers and building long lasting working relationships? Then perhaps a career in front of house is suitable for you. Maybe your passion lies within creating wonderful flavours and exciting, artistic dishes that keep the guests coming back time and time again.
Whatever area excites you most is worth exploring. Hospitality is unique in that most working disciplines have enormous room for growth. From waiter to concierge, kitchen porter to head chef, there is always an opportunity to progress further.
Moving up the ladder
To move up the ladder you will need to work towards having the necessary experience and training in the discipline you wish to advance in.
By asking your manager to provide honest and consistent feedback regarding the quality of your work can be extremely useful for self awareness and improvement. Your line manager or general manager can help guide you in areas that you need to progress or further explore to achieve your goals.
Criticism is not something you should take personally, instead see it as an opportunity to better yourself and set targets to help push you closer to that all important end goal.
After looking at your achievements and thinking about areas you are performing well in they may wish to discuss the possibility of putting you forward for various Certifications and/or NVQ's.
It is advisable to try and complete as many qualifications that the company offers you as it will not only help you to move up the ladder but will also provide proof of your knowledge and experience within your chosen discipline.
Do not be afraid to ask questions such as information regarding positions that might be available within the business in the future.
Is there space for you to progress within your current company? If so, find out what is available and what their expectations for the new role look like. From there you will have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done to push forward.
If the business you are working in does not have room for you to grow it may be time to consider looking for an alternative, this can be an excellent opportunity to experience a different style, class or size of venue, gain new knowledge and experience and try out new roles within your discipline. Remember experience equals growth.
Knowing your limits
You have many choices when it comes to deciding what position you wish to be appointed and which part of the business you want to run, to decide it helps to ask your self some questions and be as honest as you can.
How much responsibility are you willing to take on? How well do you cope under pressure? How much time are you willing to dedicate towards your career?
These are the type of questions you need to ask yourself . Once you have reached a decision the only thing left is get things moving.
Starting from the bottom and making you way up whilst necessary, will give you fantastic leading experience and knowledge.
This will not only help you throughout you career journey but also aid you in becoming an understanding and hands on manager that can better assist their team.
If you are looking to become a general manager, then be aware that it requires the ability to work within the front and back of house as well as have fantastic problem solving skills in all areas.
You will need to learn about financials, gain greater health and safety knowledge, learn about marketing, basic Human Resources, planning events and much more.
With great power comes great responsibility so they say, and the difficult nature of the work that comes hand in hand with the general manager role is not something to be taken lightly, but in return the reward of building a functioning team that operates well and stands out in the industry makes it worth all the hard work.
In conclusion
Don't forget the basics.
You will ultimately benefit from gaining hands on knowledge whilst working your way up the ranks. Take every opportunity to gain qualifications and get feedback off of your superiors. Self analysis will help you manage the climb to the top by focusing on improving the areas in which you struggle and maintaining consistency within the areas in which you excel.
Working your way up takes time, hard work and dedication. But don't forget to enjoy the journey.
Hospitality staff are often amongst the happiest workers in the UK for a reason. The work is fast paced and challenging, but helps to build bonds between teams that you would struggle to find in other industries.
