Building a Culture from Scratch

<div data-label="Timestamped Summary" data-type="draggable-block" data-pm-slice="2 2 []"> <p data-pm-slice= "1 1 ["draggableBlock",{"label":"Quote"},"blockquote",{}]"> <em>"Magic is when nobody can figure out how you do it because you're so good."</em></p> </div> <p>Never underestimate the importance of building relationships with your team. This is especially important if you are building a culture from scratch. One of the best ways to do this as a leader is to make sure you are hiring the right people. Start setting clear expectations during the interview process. After that make sure you are consistently creating a positive and customer-focused environment.</p> <div data-label="Summary" data-type="draggable-block" data-pm-slice="2 2 []"> <p>When I first took on the role of a General Manager at a well-established hotel, I was a stranger in a sea of employees. They didn't know me, and I didn't know them. But I quickly found out, the secret to gaining their trust was visibility. Walking through the operation several times a day ensured that everyone knew my face, and more importantly, knew that I was approachable. I made it a point to meet every single person, show them respect, and assure them that if they needed anything, I was there to help.</p> </div> <div data-label="Free text" data-type="draggable-block"> <p>This wasn't just about getting comfortable with me, but also about making sure they knew I valued their opinions. After all, these were the people doing the work, and they knew more about it than I ever would. As I made my rounds, I would emphasize the importance of excellence. This wasn't about being average, this was about setting standards and sticking to them. But these standards weren't just about the job, they were about creating an environment where everyone felt special, respected, and part of a team.</p> </div> <div data-label="Free text" data-type="draggable-block"> <p>The first time I was appointed as a General Manager, I realized that connecting with my team was paramount. I took the initiat