Tools of a Leader: "Stick With It!"

I was recently asked what quality I have that I felt most attributed to my career. My response was easy, it’s my ability to stick with it. I have considered throwing in the towel on a project many times, but my drive to see things through always wins out.

At this point in my career, I know that any good deal dies ten deaths before it comes to life. For instance, our Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton-Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody nearly never got off the ground. However, the hotel celebrated its one-year anniversary this month and today it ranks #2 out of 174 hotels in Atlanta on TripAdvisor. 

While it wasn’t always easy for me to accept the lengthy delays, I did gain another valuable quality: patience. Deals won’t always come to fruition in your time frame, but they will when the time is right.

Do your research, involve your team of experts, don’t take rejection personally, practice patience and if you believe in the project, stick with it!

Never Work a Day in your Life

I know I’m a lucky man. For more than 40 years, I have loved my job.  As many of you may know, I took a post at a hotel in Boston, my home town, while waiting to go to Vietnam.  Orders changed, my unit wasn’t called up, I found my passion in hospitality and I’ve been in the business ever since.

Look at our associates pictured throughout our recent newsletter. From award winners to volunteers involved in community service, I see the faces of people who I think have also found their passion.  Wise men from Confucius to my grandfather have shared the same advice. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

HE's Recent MDP Graduating Class

Another observation comes to mind.  People who love what they do, want to do it well.  They want to learn how to gain skills and advance in their careers.  I’m proud of the fact that Hotel Equities provides training for associates at all levels.  We encourage growth and reward achievement.  Congratulations to the seventh class of associates who recently completed our Management Development Program.

Do you love your job?  I challenge you to embrace your passion, pursue every opportunity available to you, and enjoy a long and prosperous career.

Hospitably,

Coach Fred