Roll on January – we're all ready and waiting

30 November 2000
Roll on January – we're all ready and waiting

Winter is almost with us and this is the time I have been dreading. Given the fact that Barnsley Gardens has been poorly marketed and sold in the past, this winter will be quiet, but in reality there is no reason why it should be. All our rooms have real, wood-burning fireplaces, claw-foot tubs, big comfortable sofas and king-size beds - heaven for those romantics or any stressed folk looking for a retreat to hide away for a few days.

We have started an aggressive marketing campaign and have developed packages around our facilities and services - full-service spa, 18-hole championship golf course, horse-riding, mountain-biking, fishing, tennis, volleyball and hiking.

January 2001 is approaching fast and that is when my business plan, accepted by the owners, takes effect and we start a capital expenditure programme to make practical changes and additions to the facility. When I first arrived at Barnsley and saw the potential, and, sadly, the inefficiencies, I created a business plan. Besides issues surrounding training and development and the need for more structured systems and procedures, I budgeted to make several design changes that would allow us to perform at our best. I have spent the first six months of my employment ensuring that I source the right people, change old attitudes and get the team aligned and motivated about the future.

November saw all staff complete a group training programme. We concentrated on three key words: information, trust and energy. We ran the three-hour sessions in groups of 50 and everyone had a ball. It's interesting how a lesson sinks in much more when you play games. These included blindfold exercises, puzzles, quizzes and brainteasers. There was even an indoor assault course and breaking of boards with karate-style chops!

We have quite a few Hispanic staff and, although they struggle with English, this kind of training programme allows everyone to be involved and the language barrier is broken down. Everyone now has a renewed enthusiasm and better understanding of why sharing information, trusting each other and staying positive has such a profound effect on a guest's stay. Roll on January - we're ready for it!

Euan McGlashan is general manager of the Barnsley Inn &Golf Resort, north of Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Next diary from Euan McGlashan: 11 January

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