Located in the emerging luxury destination of Azerbaijan, Valentin Osolos, Hotel Manager of the Boulevard Hotel Baku, the largest property in Azerbaijan, gives us an insight into his background and managerial style.
My journey in the hospitality industry wasn’t easy. I come from a very modest family in an ex-communist country and couldn’t afford to study. However, I knew that I had a real passion for the hotel industry and that I wanted to build my future in it.
When I reached the age of 16 I began to work in a summer resort near my city in Romania as a bellboy. It was not a glamorous start but it did point me in the right direction.
My advice to young people entering this industry is to know what you want and go for it, but always be yourself. The hospitality industry has its legends and its “great ones” this is clear, however there seems to be a lack of “leaders “at the moment.
I am of the opinion that, if more people bring their true self to this industry and don’t put on a façade or attempt to imitate others, a new breed of leaders and originality will present itself in the industry.
Always be yourself.
Today, I am proud to say that, the Pik Palace and Park Chalet were, during my tenure, the only winners in Azerbaijan of the SIGNUM Virtutis, the seal of excellence from the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards which is very highly regarded in Azerbaijan.
In my opinion, what makes a hotel memorable and unforgettable is definitely the staff and our motto “your home away from home”. This is truly the key to our high rate of guest satisfaction and repeat business. In addition we are in a great location, and our guests really like the style of our property. All these things create a great mix for our guests.
My approach in leading a property is that you must first build and inspire the team. Creating a “family” atmosphere amongst the employees is important as this will allow for trust and transparency.
Motivating the team is of prime importance, I find that acknowledging their efforts, congratulating them on good performance without delay and providing them with more responsibility is a key to achieving this.
By doing this communication, transparency and efficiency are augmented. A team that feels empowered is able to perform better and more efficiently.
Personally, I find the power and energy to manage my hotel at home, having a great family around me, wonderful kids and an amazing wife. She knows how to support me and re-charge me when I need it.
Many people say that “behind every successful man there is an amazing lady”. To me, there is no real “formula” because what can work for you might not work for me and what works in this hotel might not necessarily work in others… and yes it’s true, behind me there is an amazing wife.
I do believe it is all about having a proper agenda, having clear priorities and never procrastinate. Delegate tasks properly and always make time for your staff and guests. This is very important for me as the most form of feedback comes from them and both sides should be equally happy and satisfied.
Contact Valentin Osolos directly:
https://twitter.com/OsolosValentin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentin-osolos-cpm-6a473b16
Read the original interview, conducted by Nicola Brookes of Luxepitality: https://www.luxepitality.com/4561/luxepitality-meets-valentin-osolos/
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