Generosity in Management 
First impressions can be special. In 2010, I made a rendez-vous with good friends from Scotland. We decided to meet close to a motorway junction in a hotel. Arriving early, I discovered the hotel I had in mind was hosting a mega-event and parking was at capacity level. However, there was another hotel just a few yards away.
The welcome there was excellent and having established just where it was located, I phoned my friends to guide them in. As they were running late, I took the opportunity to explore the hotel, talk with manager and accomplish some paperwork in the hotel's pleasant foyer.
The ambience of the hotel spoke of initiative and thoughtfulness. It was very refreshing to learn about the management of the invidual hotel as well as the chain which owned and operated it. The manager obviously really enjoyed his work and had built up an excellent team around him.
It was interesting to note that he was in charge of drafting his own budget for the year and thus being responsible to ensure it worked out as planned. The creative ideas he shared about the hotel's developing community-links and involvement were exciting to hear.
He also appreciated the hands-on approach and genuine interest of the senior management team of the group. The ingredients are surely there for a very successful business: team spirit, sense of personal ownership by the staff, creativity and quality client care.
My friends arrived and we enjoyed a light lunch together. Delightfully presented, speedily prepared and cheerfully served. Such an oasis of professionalism is indeed a significant experience, encouraging one to confidently recommend the hotel and the chain.
Well done, Holiday Inn Express, Taunton, UK
http://www.hiexpress.co.uk/h/d/ex/925/en/hd/tntuk
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