Testimonials
Over the years, we have held shorter versions of what we are now calling the Hospitality
Foundation Program.
While those programs were well-received, we have learned that a longer format helps this shift of
understanding take hold at a level deep enough to create lasting impact on the leaders and
ultimately, their organizations.
Still, attendees had significant insights during our time together. Here are a few past comments.
We will have more as the new Foundation Program "graduates" learn to understand people at a more
profound level.
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I really enjoyed the program
and have been feeling the positive effects already. There were no fires to put out
when I arrived back at the restaurant and I am a lot more clear on how to deal with
a few problem staff members. I had been hoping they would just go away, but truly
knew I just had to handle things differently.
If I could wave the magic wand and change anything, I
would ask for just a bit more time. To me part of the richness is being around
others who are in the same business, with like situations, previous experience, and
sometimes a truly different mindset that sparks the flames.
The thing I enjoyed most was not being sold. It was
truly about sharing how to get the deepest connection and best mental health
possible with no book or program to buy that held the final secret. So thank you,
that really helped me to be open to the entire process. It was time well
spent.
-- Heidi Westfall, Alpenhorn Bistro & Bar,
Smithers, BC, Canada
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Understanding the
thought process has helped me see the direction I want to go. This will definitely
help my organization become less effortful.
By letting other employees in on what management is
thinking -- as long as they truly understand it -- I won't have to be there every day
telling them what to do. They will get it and make a decision. We can go back later and
talk about any decisions that didn't work out and learn from that. I also see as a
result of this program that I'll get my life back.
I am with my children on Wednesdays and every other
weekend ... but last night I was really WITH them. It was the first time I remember
just listening to them tell me the story of their day. I have always asked but realize
now that I rarely even listened to their answers. I would ask because I thought that
was what I was supposed to do but I would just wait my turn to talk.
It is amazing what life looks like from a clear mind. I am
thrilled to have been a part of this experience. Thank you both for holding this
event.
-- Paul Thornton, Pauli's & Vinotini, Huntsville,
AL |
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This program has
opened my world. I have always been wound tight but as a result of this program I
think I'll be able to bring it down a few RPMs.
I also see that I can listen better to people and really
hear what they are saying instead of just saying in a rush "OK, OK, OK." My
communication skills have definitely improved and I can be more at ease at work, listen
better. Procrastination has always been a source of stress for me, but I think those
days are finally over.
-- Roc Langone, Waterville Dari Creme, Deansboro,
NY |
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This program was
wonderful. It gave me a chance to get away from my office and discover a new path
for myself. I saw where I give away my time and ability to remain centered. I saw
that I lose my calm when I get caught up in the technology in my office, taking
away from my creativity.
I saw that I had not done for myself what I do for my
restaurant clients -- designing the facility layout for the ambience. I’ll be
redesigning my office. The program allowed me to see in a hundred ways how I give away
my calm and creativity. The concept of putting problems on the back burner is perfect
for me. What I've discovered here will go far in making my organization
effortless.
-- Phyllis Ann Marshall, Food Power Inc., Irvine,
CA |
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My understanding of
the core concepts has deepened. It has been an affirmation for me about some of the
things I’ve been doing about my life. I think I'm on the right path.
As an example, my early training and education placed
emphasis on reflection and meditation. Then I got caught up in family and business and
drifted away. After some major financial setbacks, my partners and I got back to
getting centered and listening to each other to find solutions from a calmer state of
mind.
I am thirsty for slowing down, listening and doing the
things that have the most impact. I now understand more clearly. This program is a good
step toward an effortless organization.
When people are happy, doing what they want to do, and
feeling fulfilled, there is a positive energy that attracts guests. People want to be
part of it and be there. Employees stay and good people are knocking on the door to
become part of it. That is how this understanding leads to increased sales and more
efficient operations.
-- Michael Hawkins, Green Street Restaurant, Pasadena,
CA |
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This program has
challenged me to recognize that my thoughts determine my state of mind ... and to
realize that my state of mind affects my entire company. I see that I need to
delegate more. When I go into the business in a hectic frenzied state of mind it
creates havoc in the organization and filters down.
Perhaps most meaningful for me have been the "aha" moments
where I realized certain things I'm doing that I need to change. I gained focus on how
I'm going to direct my management development group. We are going to have a course
change. I'm going to teach them how our attitudes effect the rest of the
staff.
-- Lorraine Salazar, Sal's Mexican Restaurants, Fresno,
CA |
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What struck me is that most
of the problems we encounter in our businesses (restaurants or others) are
generally managerial problems, not employee problems.
We tend to want to blame our employees. If we step
back and take a reflective look at ourselves, the solutions will come to us. This
understanding will be valuable in my new venture into the restaurant industry so
that I can remain in a centered state of mind but this program would be valuable
for any business.
-- Ed Griffin, MD, R. Stanley's Cafe, Sturgis,
MI
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Effortless Excellence
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