Intervi ew
Hotel Business Review
Calm and Inspiring Leader By Sharmila Chand
Passionate about hospitality, Anshul Sharma, General Manager, WelcomHeritage Sirsi Haveli Jaipur leads the team at WelcomHeritage Sirsi Haveli by setting examples like a true leader. Having completed nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, he believes this industry has lots of potential. While working here, one can learn so much about food, people, traditions and cultures. He enjoys interacting with various guests, getting an opportunity to serve them, making them happy and learning new things. All these give him a great sense of fulfillment. The excerpts of the interview follow: What is the USP of your property? Our USP is definitely the location. We are located away from the Jaipur city, yet not very far from it. Hence, guests like to stopover at our place after completing the sightseeing. They find the property very peaceful; just perfect to relax and rejuvenate themselves. M o re ove r, we l i ke to c re ate h o m e l y environment for them, taking them for village walks, etc. We have always extended exceptional services like midnight birthday parties for guests, and arrange live singers for exclusive anniversary celebrations. Music parties and celebrations by the pool side have been regular features where guests join like one family.
What are the hotel’s tech-friendly features? The hotel is well-equipped with the updated tech features. We offer complimentary 4 mbps band speed wi-fi for our guests at hotel. We also have business center where guests can work, if they wish.
Sirsi Haveli from others in the same bracket? We do not have any such property in the proximity. Our property is unique in many ways. We believe in giving a personal touch to enhance the guest experience. For instance, F&B offers are customised and meal/diet preferences are tailored according to guests’ needs.
What would you like to say about your F&B services? We have very well experienced Chefs for both Indian and continental cuisines. We also have Master Chefs to prepare Rajasthani local food. We like to maintain our food quality and keep it as authentic as possible. We have always been complemented for our food by our guests.
What is the most crucial issue to tackle in the Indian hospitality industry these days? Hiring skilled manpower and retaining them is always a challenge, especially for a property like ours which is away from the city.
Please tell us about the green initiatives the hotel has undertaken
Give a brief glimpse of your work here
We plant nearly 50 trees every year in the nearby locality to maintain the natural ecosystem. We do educate our staff for good waste management practices and regarding saving methods for power, water and fuel.
I take my work as a huge responsibility as lots of families’ well-being can be affected by my decision. I am also aware that I need to take care of the profit ratio for my promoters. It is a big responsibility but yes I am happy to shoulder it with all my sincerity and honest approach.
What is the marketing strategy you have adopted to promote the property? Word of mouth has been our biggest marketing tool. We are also active on the social media. Our parent company participates in trade shows and conferences which always help.
What distinguishes WelcomHeritage 56
Nov-Dec ’17
What do you think makes a good GM for a hotel? There are many factors which make a good GM for a hotel. First and foremost, according to me, she/he needs to ‘Lead by Example’. Your team will follow you, trust you if you set the right examples for them. Successful leaders practice what they preach and are
attentive of their actions. Secondly, ‘Take Responsibility’. Instead of pointing a finger or blaming your team for any wrong doing, you need to take responsibility, attend to the matter, learn from the situation and then move on. Thirdly, ‘Love Your Job’. Being a successful hotel General Manger needs the ability, and also the willingness to serve your guests to the best of your abilities and this can’t be achieved unless you enjoy your job. Lastly, only those GM can succeed who can keep their team happy and strengthen the bond amongst team members.
What is your biggest strength, professionally? I think my biggest professional strength is my ability to motivate my team to become more engaged. Remaining calm in adverse situations is also my strong point, which always helps.
What would you recommend to someone interested in working in your field? Be loyal to your company, be sensitive to your guests’ needs, and try to raise the level of your services. These I would recommend to those who want to join the hotel industry.
How do you de-stress? Playing with my team members, or interacting with villagers help me to de-stress. The best way to relax is talking to my guests and sharing our experiences.
What is your working mantra, your guiding philosophy at work? Never leave your task at hand for the next day; be up to date and do not be dependent on others. Be punctual and do your work sincerely. Don’t be aggressive and harsh in any situation, be calm and polite.