General Managers on Mentoring: A Way to Give Back

M&R’s general managers take their role as mentor seriously. Here are the thoughts of five more GMs on mentoring.

Z. B. Moham, Holiday Inn NYC – Lower East Side

“Mentoring is a way to give back. At one point in my career, I lacked direction. A mentor reviewed my resume, provided honest feedback on my strengths and weaknesses and became an important reference. I try to play the same role today. Hopefully, it motivates associates, pumping up their confidence, not only in their current job, but as they set goals for the future.”

David Ruas, Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South

“When we mentor associates, we’re encouraging them to embrace our industry’s service culture. We hope they will become successful and advance in their careers. The best compliment I can receive as a mentor? The associate gets promoted into a more senior role and I played a role in that step up.”

Margarita Garcia, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West

“Mentoring associates is building our future leaders. It is rewarding to see the hope and talent in people who might not necessarily see it in themselves.”

Justin Long, Fairfield by Marriott Indianapolis South

“Mentoring and coaching are the hallmarks of any effective leader. Bosses boss and leaders lead. GMs need to understand which one they are because it determines the kind of mentor and coach they become. Ask your staff anonymously how they view you. While you may feel you’re a leader, they may feel differently.”

Jeff Dziak, Le Meridien New York, Fifth Avenue

“Mentoring is our most fulfilling role. It is an act of selfless giving. It is not about what we can teach the associate from our past, but it is about the time and energy we spend learning about them.”