Great companies are built by people who never stop thinking about ways to improve the business.
J. Willard “Bill” Marriott
Keep this bit of wisdom from the founder of Marriott Corporation in mind when you have a great idea at work. Make it happen!
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
Bill Gates
Take it from one of the richest men in the world: unhappy customers are why we keep making progress, so we are lucky to have them. Ask yourself this next time you handle a complaint: what did I learn?
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Steve Jobs
Prepare yourself for a lifetime of hard work and long hours if you’ve chosen a career in the hospitality industry. Want to make it bearable? Follow Jobs’ advice and make each day count by putting in great work and nothing less. If you don’t love it, you may be in the wrong line of work!
A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life.
Winston Churchill
Known for his mastery of the English language, Winston Churchill could make anything sound good. Learn to communicate directly and effectively; it will earn you much respect in life and work. Think a short email doesn’t count? Think again. Write and say everything carefully.
Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.
Hillary Clinton
She may have lost the recent American presidential election, but she is still winning in the advice category. Learn from your critics, or let them go.
This article was first published on the EHL blog.