16 Hotel General Manager Skills for Your Career and Resume

The hotel general manager is responsible for the overall operation of the hotel. They must have a wide range of skills to be successful in this role. These skills include financial management, human resources, marketing, and more. If you’re interested in becoming a hotel general manager, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Safety & Security

Hotel general managers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their guests and staff. They must be able to identify potential hazards in the hotel, such as fire or electrical issues, and take steps to prevent them from occurring. They also need to ensure that all employees have proper training on how to respond to emergencies.

Hotel general managers should also know how to keep their hotels secure. This includes knowing how to recognize suspicious activity and taking steps to protect guest information.

Guest Satisfaction

Guest satisfaction is a crucial skill for hotel general managers to have because it can help them maintain high levels of customer loyalty. Hotel general managers who are skilled at ensuring their guests enjoy their stay may be more likely to retain repeat customers and attract new ones. To improve your guest satisfaction skills, you might consider asking your employees how they think you can improve as an employer or leader and then implementing any changes that could make a difference.

Property Maintenance

Property maintenance skills are important for hotel general managers because they often oversee the upkeep of their hotels. This includes ensuring that all equipment is working properly, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in each room and keeping up with any repairs needed throughout the property. Hotel general managers also use these skills when overseeing other departments within the hotel to ensure that employees are completing their duties correctly and maintaining the building’s integrity.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to motivate and guide a team toward common goals. Hotel general managers often lead teams of hotel staff, including assistant managers, housekeepers, cooks and other employees. Effective leaders can help their teams work together productively and achieve success. General managers also use leadership skills when they train new hires or mentor junior members of their team.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in your work. Hotel general managers often use problem-solving skills when handling customer complaints, employee conflicts or technical difficulties with hotel equipment. For example, if a guest complains about an unsatisfactory stay, you may need to find ways to improve their experience while also ensuring they return as a satisfied customer.

Financial Reporting

Financial reporting is the ability to interpret and understand financial data. General managers often use this skill when reviewing revenue, expenses and other aspects of a hotel’s finances. This can help them make informed decisions about how to improve their business. It also allows them to present information to upper management or investors in a way that they can understand it.

Crisis Management

Hotel general managers often have to manage crises, such as when a guest has an allergic reaction or if there’s a fire in the building. Having strong crisis management skills can help you minimize damage and keep guests safe while also ensuring that your hotel maintains its reputation. You may also need to manage employee issues, such as when employees get into arguments with each other or when one of them is having personal problems.

Employee Relations

A hotel general manager needs to have excellent employee relations skills. This is because they are the leader of a large team that includes managers, supervisors and staff members who work in different departments. They need to be able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees so everyone understands their expectations and feels valued by the organization.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Hotel general managers are responsible for planning and forecasting the financial success of their hotel. They use this skill to create budgets, forecast revenue and expenses and make strategic decisions that affect the hotel’s bottom line. Hotel general managers also use budgeting and forecasting skills when negotiating contracts with suppliers and other business partners.

Marketing & Sales

Hotel general managers oversee the marketing and sales efforts of their hotel. This means they need to understand how to promote a business, attract customers and increase revenue. General managers also use these skills when negotiating contracts with suppliers or other businesses on behalf of their hotel.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Hotel general managers often have to be flexible in order to meet their company’s goals and satisfy customers. For example, if a hotel has an event that brings in many guests, the general manager may need to work extra hours or find additional staff to ensure all of the guests are satisfied.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. As a hotel general manager, you may need to communicate with employees, guests, vendors and other managers. Strong communication skills can help you relay messages effectively and build trust with others. You might also consider taking courses in public speaking or negotiation to improve your communication even more.

Decision Making

Hotel general managers must be able to make quick decisions when necessary. For example, if a guest has an issue with their room or requests a change in accommodations, the hotel manager may need to resolve the situation quickly and effectively. They also use decision-making skills when planning for the future of the hotel, such as deciding which renovations are most important or what new technology they should invest in.

Revenue Management

Hotel general managers oversee the financial aspects of a hotel, including revenue management. This involves forecasting and tracking revenue for each month or quarter to ensure that the hotel is meeting its goals. It also includes ensuring that all revenue is recorded accurately so that the hotel can receive accurate commissions from suppliers.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Hotel general managers often have many duties, including overseeing employees, maintaining records, handling finances and ensuring guests are satisfied. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your workload effectively and ensure all aspects of hotel operations run smoothly.

Inventory Management

Hotel general managers oversee the entire hotel operation, including inventory management. This means they need to know how to track and order supplies for all areas of the hotel, including food service, housekeeping and maintenance. Hotel general managers also use their inventory management skills when planning budgets and forecasting revenue from room sales.

How Can I Learn These Hotel General Manager Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the skills necessary to be a hotel general manager. You can take classes at a community college or online that focus on hospitality management. You can also get on-the-job training by working your way up the ladder at a hotel, starting as a front desk clerk or housekeeper and eventually becoming a hotel manager. You can also read books or articles about hotel management, or even shadow a hotel manager to see what the job entails.