In this blog post, I will explore if hotel GMs have a natural curiosity, identify where curiosity has the most impact, discuss the hidden costs of not innovating, and conclude with practical steps to foster a culture of curiosity. Keep reading if you’re ready to break free from the daily grind and lead with innovative ideas.
Are Hotel GMs Curious by Nature?
Most hotel general managers find themselves in a constant balancing act—handling everyday operational challenges (“day-to-day firefighting”) while, if time permits, steering the hotel’s long-term direction. Their intrinsic motivation often stems from incrementally enhancing guest experiences and improving the physical product by ongoing refurbishing. Yet despite these factors driving curiosity, it’s easy to fall into a “Groundhog Day Syndrome”: the familiar daily routine can overshadow deeper exploration and innovation. When routine overtakes curiosity, stagnation and missed opportunities start to creep in.
Interestingly, some general managers discover a similar epiphany after a few years in a GM position. Like the Groundhog Day protagonist, they realize genuine growth and transformation only happen when they expand their mindset, seek new perspectives, and actively look for ways to do things substantially better.
Where Curiosity Matters
A curious hotel GM looks beyond routine tasks and continually seeks ways to improve the entire operation. From technology and AI tools that automate manual processes to business intelligence (BI) platforms that turn raw data into actionable insights, there’s huge potential to enhance everything from attracting the most profitable guests to excelling in delivering the guest experience. GMs can optimize staffing, tailor marketing strategies to specific guest segments, and refine operational costs by investing time in these innovations. Equally important is fostering a culture of curiosity within the team. When employees are encouraged to experiment and share new ideas, whether a fresh approach to upselling or a more efficient housekeeping workflow, hotels often discover untapped sources of revenue and guest satisfaction.
The Cost of Not Being Curious
When hotel general managers lack curiosity, the risks can be significant. Sticking to outdated practices or ignoring industry trends results in stale offerings that struggle to attract new guests or retain loyal ones. In a market where competitors are eager to adopt innovative solutions, falling behind leads to lost market share.
Without exploring data-driven tools and new methods, revenue strategies may remain unoptimized. This can result in underpriced rates, poorly forecasted demand, and lost profit potential. Moreover, not fostering a forward-thinking environment can negatively impact staff retention. Talented and ambitious team members are drawn to hotels that encourage growth and value fresh perspectives. When those opportunities aren’t available, they seek them elsewhere, potentially weakening the hotel’s operational strength and future performance.
Conclusion
Embracing curiosity enables hotel general managers to break free from the “Groundhog Day” loop, staying energized and adaptable. In the film, the protagonist escapes his repetitive existence by investing in self-improvement, learning piano, ice sculpting, and making a positive difference in other people’s lives. Similarly, GMs can start by:
- Helping Others: Encourage mentorship and collaboration within the team. When you invest in others’ growth, you often learn alongside them.
- Learning New Skills: Explore leadership programs, innovative hospitality technologies, and business intelligence tools to improve your skills, knowledge, and understanding of business.
- Experimenting Regularly: Dedicate a small portion of each week to testing new ideas or tools. Even small trials can reveal significant opportunities for improvement.
By questioning the status quo and embracing continuous growth, hotel GMs will keep their properties evolving toward higher profitability, better guest experiences, and a thriving culture of innovation, with no endless loops required.
