Words from the Wise – Edward Pinchard
Edward Pinchard, commercial director, Barcelo Hotels UK, shares his business secrets
Be true to yourself If you don't embrace your strengths and weaknesses you will never know how to better yourself. Build a strong team of people around you based on your own competencies and drive forward together.
Base your decisions on fact and not emotion Time spent on preparation is invaluable. I learned this from a previous manager years ago in America who constantly challenged everything I did. His approach made me learn to think through everything - relentlessly - and it stuck. It's one of the most important lessons in the workplace.
Choose a path and stay on it As our commercial environment becomes more and more fluid it can be easy to make too many short-term, knee-jerk decisions. Make sure you spend time at the beginning of each year and set clear goals for your organisation. Ensure buy in from the key stakeholders and review it often to measure success. You can always move the goal posts, but never lose sight of the big ticket items.
Ensure that you set clear goals for your team It's a real motivator. Everybody needs to understand and believe in what you are asking them to do. At the other end of the process, recognise success and celebrate it there and then. I find that people often forget to do this.
A thank you goes a long way in helping people buy in to what you are trying to achieve and gives them reassurance that they're on track. Best of all, like most good things in life, it also doesn't cost anything!
Train and develop your people They are the future of your business. Too often performance related training is one of the first costs to be cut, which in my book is just wrong. It is unfair to expect to get the most from your team if you don't give them the tools to succeed.
Keep your eyes open for inspiration in other industries. Wherever you go, there's a good idea that could be relevant to developing your team. It's no coincidence that world class brands have world class training and development philosophies.
There must be balance in your life It's no good working yourself to the bone and having nothing left to give when you are with your family and friends.
They are there to support and advise you and you'll be surprised how much you can learn from people not involved in your world. However, you have to pay back! They need your time and attention, too. Life is short, so make the most of every moment.
mentor
My father, the most honourable, hard working and loyal person I know. He has never stopped encouraging me to be the best I can in everything I do. He has taught me the most valuable lesson in life - if it's too good to be true don't touch it!
CV HIGHLIGHTS
1995-2005 sales and marketing roles in London, Oman, Dubai and New York, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
2005-2008 regional director of sales, London, Hilton Hotels and Resorts
2008-2011 sales director, Guoman and Thistle Hotels UK
2011-present commercial director, Barcelo Hotels UK.
Mantra Fight the fights that you believe need fighting - everything else will take care of itself.
