When I first started working in hotels in a leadership role, I learned a very valuable lesson after asking some employees to take care of something but not double-checking that it got done. Later on, a quality assurance rep came to check if it was completed and, long story short, we failed the inspection. Simply trusting people is in my nature, but ever since then, I always confirm that things under my watch are completed.
Technology has given us an easy way to communicate. While face-to-face communication is always important, especially in our industry, we now have tools at our fingertips to send a quick text, make a quick phone call, or send an email for a quick response. With all of our easily accessible methods of communication, we’re able to eliminate time and distance, making things like double-checking a task’s completion much easier.
We use technology to book hotel rooms, keep our travel documents, and virtualize basic day-to-day tasks. Technology also has given us a wider audience. AAHOA is able to communicate with members, increase productivity, and share content, which allows us to get more creative and reach a more diverse audience than ever before.
While under lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a lonely and isolating time for many. Thankfully, technology helped, allowing people to communicate with loved ones as we protected ourselves from the virus.
But with everything, there’s a downside. Now, wherever you go, everyone is looking down at their cell phone, distracted from the world around them. We’re all dialed in all the time and it’s often difficult to turn it off. Technology can be a distraction, with several social media platforms vying for our attention. It also can be a tool to spread misinformation. Excessive use also has proven to have negative effects on mental health.
The point is, it’s up to you to decide the extent to which you use it in your personal life. Technology has certainly made our lives easier and helped tremendously throughout this pandemic. It has allowed us to operate more lean businesses and make better, and quicker, business decisions.
But when it comes to reflecting on how we each use technology on a personal level, perhaps it’s time we take a step back and recognize our overreliance on our devices, and instead take some time to reinforce meaningful interactions – in person. That’s what the essence of our industry is all about.
I trust that you’ll do it, but this time, I’ll be double-checking.
