Oh captain, will you stay with the ship?

One of the great untold stories about the Covid pandemic has been the many General Managers, all across the world, who were separated from their families as they stayed with their hotels & teams in often another country during the pandemic. It illustrated Hospitality leadership at its finest.

As one senior GM noted " It was difficult. I could have stayed with my family but I would have been comfortable with that. It was my job to be with the team in the hotel as we locked down and then to be there to guide the hotel through that period. It meant I did not see my family for nine months but that was just the choice I made. "

There are many such stories. Many moved out of their homes to ensure that their families were safe and they could guide their business through those first difficult months.

It seems strange now, as we mark the second anniversary of the first lockdown, but there was widespread fear in March 2020 of how many would die. It was often referred to as this generation's war which is even stranger when one considers that many privately enjoyed April, May 2020 with the early Summer. Many will privately admit that they enjoyed 2020 and the first lockdowns.

It has been the contradictory story of the pandemic. It has brought the best out of many but also the worst. There are many leaders who have excelled and shown great courage during this period. There are many companies that did so much to support communities and those disadvantaged. It was a period when many felt rightly proud of the industry's contribution to society.

There were also many who struggled by on Furlough pay, volunteering each day to play their part.

Then there are those who still remained on pay, worked from home, and did not "push the envelope". There have been numerous reports of both leaders and returning teams left bemused how little new thought or development was given to key issues whilst there was time to reflect.

Many talk of "The Great Resignation" and the fact that over 40% of employees have been looking for new roles without asking why? Many were left unimpressed by behaviours and communications during the most testing of periods. Many emerging talents have stronger expectations and values than their leadership teams and they have no concern in voting with their feet.

It is said that excellence comes from behaviours. Overall the Industry proved itself during the last two years and it has rightly gained in recognition as a result.