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The Revolving Door of General Managers in Family-Owned Hotels: Causes, Consequences and Solutions

Albert BarraOctober 23, 2023 · 4 min read
THE IDEA

Constant general manager turnover in family-owned hotels deserves closer attention. It can feel like watching a play where the leading cast changes with every act.

The Revolving Door of General Managers in Family-Owned Hotels: Causes, Consequences and Solutions
Today, I want to explore an intriguing phenomenon affecting many family-owned hotels: high turnover among general managers. You have probably heard stories of general managers who come and go like the seasons. What is happening behind this mysterious game of musical chairs? In this article, I will explore the possible causes, consequences and solutions to this puzzle.

The Mystery of General Manager Turnover

The constant turnover of general managers in family-owned hotels is a phenomenon that deserves our attention. It is as though we were watching a play in which the lead cast changes with every act. But what are the reasons behind this drama? Let me share some possible causes:

1. Unmet Expectations

At times, general managers arrive with high expectations for change and growth, only to face internal obstacles that make it difficult to implement their vision. This can lead to frustration and burnout, prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere.

2. Family Conflicts

Family-owned hotels can be fertile ground for personal conflicts and differing visions among members of the owning family. General managers are often caught in the middle of these tensions, which can be exhausting.

3. Lack of Professional Development

Some family-owned hotels do not offer clear professional development opportunities. General managers may feel that their growth has stalled, leading them to seek new opportunities.

4. Generational Change

As generations change, so do their visions and values. This may result in the departure of a general manager who is not aligned with the emerging vision of the owning family. These are just some of the reasons that may explain why general managers in family-owned hotels seem to be constantly on the move. Now, let us examine the consequences of this constant turnover.

The Consequences of the General Manager Shuffle

High turnover among general managers is no trivial matter, and its effects can be profound. Here are some of the most notable consequences:

1. Operational Instability

The constant arrival and departure of general managers can result in a lack of stability in hotel management. This can affect service quality and team cohesion.

2. Loss of Knowledge

Every general manager who leaves takes with them a unique set of knowledge and experience. This loss of knowledge can be damaging in the long term.

3. Financial Costs

The search for and hiring of new general managers entails significant financial costs. In addition, the onboarding process for a new general manager can be costly in terms of time and resources.

4. Team Demotivation

Hotel staff may become discouraged when they witness the constant turnover of general managers. This can negatively affect morale and team motivation. Now that we better understand the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, the crucial question arises: how can we solve this puzzle and achieve more stable, effective management in family-owned hotels?

Possible Solutions to the General Manager Shuffle

Let us tackle this challenge with determination and creativity. Here are some solutions that could make a difference:

1. Set Clear Expectations

It is essential for expectations between the owning family and the general manager to be aligned from the outset. This can prevent future disagreements.

2. Develop Internal Leaders

Rather than looking for external general managers, consider developing internal leaders who are familiar with the hotel’s culture and values.

3. Open Communication

Encourage open and effective communication between the owning family and the general manager. This can help resolve conflicts before they become insurmountable problems.

4. Long-Term Planning

Rather than focusing on short-term solutions, think about the long-term future. This could include succession planning and developing a culture of stability. In short, the general manager shuffle in family-owned hotels is not an insurmountable mystery. With understanding, communication and a long-term vision, it is possible to achieve more stable and effective management. Now, the choice is in your hands. In the world of hospitality, there is always room for a little humour. At times, even the general manager shuffle can seem like a comedy routine in an endless play. But with the right strategies, we can rewrite the script and stage a successful show.
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