Last week I had the pleasure of representing the Residence Inn Beverly Hills at Interstate Hotels
and Resort’s Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. As I made the cross-country
trip to the east coast, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see and visit
with many old colleagues and friends that I have made since I started with IHR
in 1985 at the Pittsburgh Green Tree Marriott. Of course, the reuniting with my
friends and co-workers was fun as we relived old times and retold many hotel
stories. However, the highlight for me of the three day conference, with many
speakers and break out sessions, was unexpected.
I had heard prior to my arrival that retired General Colin
Powell was going to be our keynote speaker. As a political junkie, I was very
much looking forward to hearing him speak about his time as National Security
Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. I was
expecting to be entertained. However, I really was inspired.
After starting off with his very funny top ten hotel pet peeves that went over very well with over 1,300 hotel managers in the room, I began to sense a common theme as he went through both his personal life and professional life. It became apparent that the two things that General Powell did throughout his life when interacting with others at every level, was to listen to what is being said and then compromise at a solution when there are different opinions. General Powell did this throughout his life and it is apparent that this is what made him a great leader as a General and Secretary of State and a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather.
He clearly pointed out, without taking political sides, that if our current federal and state politicians really listened to one another and then compromised when they differed, how much more would get done AND how much of a better leader they would be! Sounds easy, right? And it really is easy if you listened to the General click off the times he had to sit face-to-face with a world leader or his wife and listen carefully and compromise to move forward towards the goal.
This was inspiring to me and relevant to us all, I thought. Many times, we get stuck in our ways, shut down from listening, and never want to compromise. It reminded me to keep an open mind and make sure those who work with and for me do the same. Our differences are never as great as we think they are and we constantly have to move forward towards the ultimate goal of whatever it is we are striving for.
A valuable lesson that we all need to be reminded of, whether you are dealing with a
Be Well,
Michael D’Amodio
