Written by: Dr. Barry Carlin, HFTP 2019 Annual Convention speaker
Every organization wants to run in the most efficient, productive and profitable manner, and that requires maximal functioning in every department. And every task in every department — from executive and financial to the front and back of the house — are run by people.
So, if you can achieve to get the people in your organization efficient, healthy and happy, you gain a competitive edge. Profits soar, operational efficiency is maximized, and even the guest experience improves.
Register for the HFTP 2019 Annual Convention to attend Dr. Barry Carlin’s session this October on “Healthy Work Habits: The Secret to Reduce Workers Comp Injury Costs.”
There are many factors that contribute to this high-level functioning. Having worked with hundreds of hotels, resorts, restaurants and clubs over the last 15 years, I have found a universal issue that impairs high-level functioning at every level — from general managers and CFOs to housekeepers, accountants, culinary workers and front desk agents.
The universal issue among them all? Stress.
All stressors (small and large) can add up and cumulatively become a big problem. We are stressed by hurricanes, traffic, politics and violence in the newspapers. We are stressed by challenges at work and at home.
The kids will not do their homework, the car needs repair, the mother-in-law is coming to visit. The banquet is 15 minutes behind schedule, the wrong tablecloths are set, there are not enough clean sheets to turn all the rooms for the check-in. A front desk agent called in sick, and there are 500 check-ins and check-outs that still need to be done. The financials that were due next Wednesday are now due Monday… and it is already Friday.
In other words — A typical day.
Each of these stressors alone is nothing. But, they add up quickly and negatively impact us, our health, how we feel, our energy, our moods, the quality of our work, our kindness to each other — and ultimately, how our departments and organization function.
With the right knowledge, you can minimize or eliminate your stress. Learn more with this stress management handout. In this handout, you will come to understand:
- Techniques that take seconds that you can do to yourself to reduce your stress instantly.
- The same stress can be negative or positive, based on how you choose to respond to it.
- There are ways you can easily improve your health which make you resistant to stress (and healthier overall).
- You can often proactively take action to reduce or eliminate the source of stress.
One of the techniques that I personally use several times a day can be found in the handout and is referred to as:
INSTANT RELAXATION THROUGH VISUALIZATION
This is what I call a “mental vacation” — It is a license to daydream. You can produce feelings of relaxation using your imagination.
Visualize yourself in a place or situation that makes you feel calm, relaxed and happy. Picture a tranquil setting that appeals to you and imagine it in full detail. It may be a real or an imagined place or situation. Close your eyes. Are you lying on a beach? How does the sun feel on your skin? Can you hear the waves? Can you smell the ocean or the food on the carts? Do you see sailboats? Smile. Take a relaxing deep breath. If you practice with the same scene for a few days, you can easily go back there in seconds, instantly feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
Enjoy a mental vacation wherever and whenever you feel the need to take a moment to relax.
As an individual, these techniques will make you happier, healthier and more productive. As a department or an organization, you will improve your operational efficiency, morale, the guest experience and profitability.
I hope to meet many of you at the HFTP 2019 Annual Convention and see you at my session Healthy Work Habits: The Secret to Reduce Workers Comp Injury Costs. I will be available during the convention to answer any questions after my session. Feel free to speak with me and I just may show you a magic trick while we speak.
You are invited to participate! All attendees are invited to present challenges from their workplace that have so far been unsolvable. We will develop solutions together on the spot. Contact me at barry@bestperformancesystems.com prior to my session with any questions or challenges you would like solved. See you at Annual Convention
Dr. Barry Carlin is CEO of Best Performance Systems, Inc. and will present at the HFTP 2019 Annual Convention — taking place October 23-25, 2019 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida USA. Register to attend today.
