Alt of people might think, what has a book with only 13 chapters and was written thousands of years before be helpful in our daily works. Well like all motivational and self help books, you need to see the big picture. Below are some examples of how the Art of War have helped me in my daily life.
Controllling Anger
Verse 12."There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general. One of it is a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults. This means holding your anger." Chapter 8: VARIATION IN TACTICS. I always had a quick tongue and an even quicker anger. I used to say what I feel and do things without much thought. That is the why I was most of the time passed over for promotions. Even though I knew the job very well. Now I'm more controlled now.
Another quote from Sun Tzu goes like this. 5. The general, unable to control his irritation, will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants, with the result that one-third of his men are slain, while the town still remains untaken. Such are the disastrous effects of a siege. Chapter 3. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM
Never Underestimate your competition
Verse 11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable. Chapter 8: VARIATION IN TACTICS
This means never underestimate, always be prepared. We used to be the biggest hotel with the biggest convention room. So naturally we got the bulk of the business in our area. Now there's a new building coming up near us, same amount of rooms and an even larger convention hall. Luckily I followed this Sun Tzu's strategy. Before any news of this hotel coming up, we built our business with the local community. So we might lose some business to them, we will win back our guest if we continue to be friendly and give them an even better product than the new hotel.
Leading by Example
Verse 8 "At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he shows his hand. " Chapter 11. THE NINE SITUATIONS.
Few days ago, I was watching Battles BC on the History Channel. This time they were showing Caesar's battle with the Gauls. Towards the end of the battle, it looked like Rome was going to lose the campaign. They were attacked from both sides. Then Caesar put on his red cloak and when into battle with reinforcements. Seeing their comander fighting alongside with them with his distinguished red cloak, the Roman army had renewed strength and fought hard. They managed to win the battle. This concept can be used in today's management system. When your area is busy or staff have difficult situation, the staff will be happy to see their manager working alongside them. Not standing around giving orders. I have found that this motivates them to give their best. It also helps when you need to reprimand them for a mistake they have done. The employee will know that you want only for them to improve their performance.
Verse 25 "Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death." Chapter 10. TERRAIN
Showing posts with label moivate your staff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moivate your staff. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday, May 16, 2011
Share Uplifting and Inspiring Stories with your staff
I like to tell my employees stories that will help them understand the importance of good and genuine customer service. One that I have heard and is constantly reminding my new employees is the one about the Oriental Bangkok staff giving a guest his shoe laces as the guest was in hurry for a very important meeting and he forgot to bring his shoe laces. That is why Oriental Bangkok is noted as one of the best service hotel in the world. I also like to print for them true stories of how good customer service will also in turn help you. One example is the story below which someone send to me.
The Hotel Manager
One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get shelter for the night.
"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked. The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town
"All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out in the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."
When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. "Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine," the clerk told them. So the couple agreed.
As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."
The clerk looked at the couple and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh. As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.
Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round- trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit.
The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky.
"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage."
"You must be joking," the young man said.
"I can assure you that I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth.
The old man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt.
This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels. The BOOK says that we are not to turn our backs on those who are in need -- for we might be entertaining angels.
The Hotel Manager
One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get shelter for the night.
"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked. The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town
"All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out in the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."
When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. "Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine," the clerk told them. So the couple agreed.
As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."
The clerk looked at the couple and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh. As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.
Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round- trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit.
The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky.
"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage."
"You must be joking," the young man said.
"I can assure you that I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth.
The old man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt.
This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels. The BOOK says that we are not to turn our backs on those who are in need -- for we might be entertaining angels.
Delivering Great Customer Service
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