As a hotel or hospitality manager, graduates rely on those working underneath them to carry out policies and ultimately ensure guests receive the best possible service, making effective communication an essential skill. Writing on 4hoteliers.com, Dr John Hogan said hospitality managers must establish themselves as a "credible voice of authority". Communication must therefore be clear and concise, whether it be in writing, a one-on-one conversation or group presentation. Furthermore, hotel and hospitality staff will look to their manager to be upfront and honest about issues that could affect their future. Ultimately, of course, happy guests and customers control the destiny of hotels and hospitality businesses - and managers must be able to effectively communicate this to ensure everyone at every level of their organization is working to give customers the best experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hotel and lodgings managers can oversee everything from individual departments and teams, such as food service or housekeeping, to entire businesses. In 2006, they held around 71,000 jobs and this is expected to grow by 12% by 2016 as growth in business travel and tourism continues.  |