Live by your valules.

I found this article I wrote some 15 years ago and thought to share it.

''I started in my early youth almost by chance. I remember my first job; I was only 13 and helping someone with his new bar for the summer season. On my first day I broke a tray full of glasses, on my second day I burned a sandwich in the grill on my third (and last) I toppled three crates full of beer bottles (unfortunately full). Well the only way was out….. The owner paid me out my three days wages and told me “Rocco you cost me more than what I pay you! Come back when you learn how to hold a tray!”

And so I did. I learned, and learned and after more learning I managed to work in some of the best Hotels around the world.

My resilience took me from Europe to the Middle East with my first job at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.

I will never forget the day I was standing at the main entrance of the hotel, looked up and thought in my mind “I cannot believe I am working here…..?” I was really wowed and that was only the beginning. Guess that in fact I had sent my application during the pre-opening recruitment phase and I was rejected!!!!

Of course some people really helped me in my career. First and foremost my wife (I think she has been the best advisor and supporter for me so far) but some good connection in the business certainly help.

Since then I travelled and worked in some of the most sought after destination including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur New Delhi and Muscat for some of the most amazing companies and people from Four Seasons to Hilton from Aman Resorts to Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

During these years I met some great people and I learned something from all. I hate when some people say “there is nothing to learn here, this place is not challenging enough” well let me tell you that you can learn also what not to do if you think that the place you work uses and implements “worst practices”. Never lose an opportunity to learn!

For instance I have experienced working with Generation Y in my past placement and now I am experiencing work with Baby Boomers. Isn’t this fun???

However keep always in mind that your performances will always talk. At the end of the day you are what you deliver and your reputation will take you places.

I disbelieve when people say “there are no enough opportunities” or that “only lucky people will get the best jobs” you need to deliver what you promise on your CV and also be connected in the industry with the assistance of social and professional networking (i.e. ehotelier, linkedin, plaxo etc). I have some preferences of course but everyone can find his own I believe.

If you ask me which one is my best experience so far? Well I cannot really answer you. I have been enjoying all my experiences so far. One thing is for sure, some “dreamers” are still looking for the perfect job/company or country to live in. I have discovered that the best place to be is where nice people are around you and you can find the best people around you when you provide the best leadership level. Never forget the people at home (for those who have family) the support of your family is of utmost importance. Remember that “behind every successful man there is a woman” And I think I am going to leave you with this quote. Good luck! 

My top 20 best practices in life:

 1.     Carpe Diem

2.     Work at your best and be 100% committed to the company you work from the first day until your last day (even if you work only for few months)

3.     Don’t always be politically correct. Politics is NOT what hospitality is all about. Make yourself heard when you believe something is not correct

4.     Change is only for the better

5.     What will be the memory each one of your guests will take home after staying at your hotel/restaurant?

6.     Share your knowledge with others

7.     Don’t be afraid to show emotions in front of your team but don’t make decisions when you are emotional.

8.     I learned the difference between taking risk and gambling. I think you should too.

9.     Be ready for a 360 degree assessment at some point in your life. You will be surprised how much you will learn about yourself.

10. Don’t allow anyone or anything to spoil your day.

11. Before blaming others think what you could have done better

12. Be open to receive feedback all the time

13. Have respect for yourself. Never allow anyone to insult you.

14. Don’t kill the enthusiasm of the people around you.

15. Build a working alliance (at least)

16. Expect defeats in life. Learn from them and get stronger

17. Have a 212 degree attitude (www.212movie.com)

18. Don’t hold on to someone just because you can’t lose a talent. Give opportunities to people whenever possible

19. When you sign a contract with a company start delivering. I know at one point you will get to know that some other colleagues may earn more than you. You have accepted the offer, start delivering and don’t nag.

What works in one place may not work in another. Start a new job with a blank slate''

Rocco Bova