possess the ability to pivot, while simulta-
neously being daring enough to try new
things. Finally, let’s not forget the
stunning financial results we are consis-
tently expected to deliver, and the
winning teams we must lead. Those
demands can be overwhelming. That’s
precisely why we spa industry leaders
must use all resources available to us to
keep up, and why a peer group is key to
our success and sanity.
Before you decide whether to take the
time to implement this into your already-
packed schedule, consider the following
benefits of a structured peer group:
1.
Connection. You can consis-
tently engage with individuals
who are in the trenches just like you.
They are familiar with your daily
struggles, which allows you to openly
discuss the issues you face. Throughout
my career in resort spa, I had access to
brilliant, successful managers in the
food-and-beverage, golf and the rooms
divisions. However, when it was time to
problem-solve for the spa, these groups
did not understand the specific
challenges I tackled in my department.
To be in a group of peers that under-
stands you banishes the feeling of, “I
am in this alone.”
2.
New ideas and
strategies. The spa directors
in our group each had an area of
expertise they were willing to share. Our
calls were structured to focus on one
person’s specific topic each meeting. For
example, one of our directors had signif-
icant success in retail; during her
spotlight, she shared her best tips and
tricks about running a successful retail
operation.
Even the best of
us can’t be great
at everything.
Harness the
collective wisdom
in your organi-
zation, or connect
with ISPA peers
throughout the
world and you’ll
be amazed at
the rewards you
will reap.
3.
License to think bigger.
Being in a peer group turbo
charges your ability to aim high. My
experience has been that the members
in the group will not hesitate to help
you re-frame your goals to make them
challenging. For myself, having the
support of the group motivated me to
work harder, stay focused and reach for
my most daunting goals.
4.
Accountability. Let’s face it,
when we are left to our own
devices, we concentrate on putting out
fires. As a result, the important stuff often
falls to the bottom of our to-do list.
During the times in
my career that
I operated without the support of a group,
I had several projects that would have
made a significant difference in sales,
service or even the bottom line that never
saw the light of day. I am confident that I
would have gotten those projects done
and implemented with the engagement of
my peer group. The meaningful projects
often require us to learn something new
or to move out of our comfort zone and
that is hard. However, knowing that you
will be reporting to your peer group on
your progress will give you that extra
motivation to get it done.
5.
Networking. Ten years after
this peer group disbanded, I can
still pick up the phone and call any one
of my peers for advice or support. We
shared a significant experience that
keeps us connected. During last year’s
ISPA Conference, I ran into one of the
directors who had been part of our
group and it was like I had just seen her
yesterday. Even after all this time, I know
I could call her with any question or
request and tap her expertise.
Think about it. Are you really doing so
well that you wouldn’t profit from a
regular dose of free insights and ideas?
Even the best of us can’t be great at every-
thing. Harness the collective wisdom in
your organization, or connect with ISPA
peers throughout the world and you’ll be
amazed at the rewards you will reap. Not
only will your days be more productive,
but you will outperform the expectations
of your respective teams and guests. n
lyNNE HitE is an educator and spa consultant located in
bend, oregon. you can find more of her industry insights
and inspiration at thespatalk.com.
September 2017
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