Training Articles

New CHART President Felicia White reflects on Christy Uffelman's keynote at CHART 106 Chicago. In the session, participants were encouraged to open up and be vulnerable in order to create space for authentic expression, reflection, and behavior change.

The July 2024 Regional Training Forum in Orlando was a lively exploration of Artificial Intelligence in Learning & Development. We discussed current familiarity and challenges, then talked about how to get the most out of AI by framing and crafting the perfect prompt. Check out these takeaways and best practices, plus new ways to think about utilizing AI tools beyond content creation.

By thoughtfully constructing an employee meal program, hospitality businesses can create a win-win situation. Staff members receive a tangible, daily benefit that improves their work experience, while employers gain a more satisfied, knowledgeable, and loyal workforce. In an industry where the quality of service can make or break a business, investing in your team through something as fundamental as a good meal can pay dividends in the long run.

Just as a cruise requires careful planning, preparation, and a smooth journey to ensure guests have the time of their lives, so does the onboarding process for your new team members. From pre-boarding to disembarking, every step is about ensuring your new team members are set up for success and supported throughout their journey with your company. Keeping the journey engaging ensures that your new hire will enjoy the ride and stick around for the long haul.

Incorporating an online guest survey platform is a strategic move that can significantly enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency of your hospitality business. By selecting a tool that aligns with your goals, you can foster a culture of continuous improvement, swiftly address issues, and make informed, data-driven decisions to elevate your services and customer experiences.

As discussed by Rebecca Barry and Yvonne Lloyd of ServSuccess, conflict is unavoidable when you're leading a team. But when we proactively recognize and address conflict, managers can create healthy steps for its resolution. Read the recap of the key strategies they shared to alleviate stress and promote a positive work environment.

One leadership approach that I’m passionate about is called appreciative leadership, which has gained significant traction in recent years and has proven effectiveness. This style focuses on recognizing and leveraging strengths, fostering positivity, and creating a supportive environment.

Though maximizing profits sounds appealing on the surface, this practice falls short in the long run. Instead, leaders should employ the philosophy of optimizing - balancing the interests of all stakeholders and making choices that yield benefits for everyone involved. Sustainable leadership is all about creating enduring positive impacts that transcend the boundaries of the organization and extend to employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Let's explore the principles of optimization and why it is the key to creating enduring, positive impacts that resonate far beyond the boardroom.

Guests often won't offer any feedback on their experience at your operation, even when it has been less than satisfactory. As a result, you might be missing out on valuable opportunities to gain insights into areas that need change or improvement, and could lead to persistent issues going unaddressed, a decline in repeat business, and ultimately, a tarnished reputation within the community. Here are some strategies you can employ to foster an environment where guests feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions, both positive and negative, so you can use that feedback to build your business.

In his 12 years as President and CEO, Scott has honored Sea Island's 96-year tradition of excellence, blending high-level operations with personal, meaningful interactions. His ability to lead, while connecting with every team member he encounters, remembering personal details, and making everyone feel valued, underscores why he is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Commitment to People Award. Read more about how Scott leads a culture of respect, kindness, and gratitude.

There is power in the stories we tell, especially when you understand how adults learn and the role of stories in helping that learning stick. By harnessing the power of a story, you're able to create a moment different than just what the data on a screen says. Being able to build a story that will communicate what you need it to and leave a lasting impression can be the key to transforming your next presentation. Here are two methods you can use to start developing your own suite of stories, along with tips and tricks for implementing them.

Trainers know exactly how critical it is to bring people together across diverse life experiences, viewpoints, and geography. In our efforts to develop leaders we have to be able to connect people in ways never possible before. That's where PEER Group Coaching comes in. Experience the power of peer-to-peer mentoring in my hands-on keynote session at CHART 106 Chicago Hospitality Training Conference and learn practical ways to maximize your own career and ignite those around you.