Under The Influence of Stigmatization and Polarization

Behold the hospitality and service industry often beloved by guests but the story beneath is often untold.   We all love good food and service however we often forget that this industry what is more important is user experience.

To those that are in the industry be it the chefs,waiters,bartenders  ,barbacks all of you are my family. I know and understand what you go through as I go through it everyday. In Africa the experience in two fold what am I talking about ,am talking about culture and passion.

Hospitality Culture
It is a shame to see that though we have great restaurants and hotels often built on western concepts combining with African ideology that is not enough.

The stigmatization for those that want to enter this industry is real in all facets. Take an example of the conservative African folks who still believe in big jobs of 8 to 5 .You know those jobs lawyers,doctors ,professors etc we all know them that is what they consider as good honest jobs. However talk to them about this industry the sentiments you get is this really a career. How can you possible work in this serving alcohol you want to destroy lives? Why are you promoting evil things ? .They don't understand or care to.

The other issue is the generational gap and understanding for the industry is so diverse. The young generation probably got into this for the alcohol at first but the more they know about the industry the more there dreams and goals are to raise the industry. They see hope in this industry as the older phase goes out the young are in dire need of mentorship .They are eager and ready to be the best of what they can be.

What is more there are not enough support for the training schools in Africa. I could probably mention Boma College for great education system, Nairobi bar school ,IHTI and Top Chef really trying their best. However more support for this industry would help in changing the view of the masses. The government should ensure a key role in ensuring a key support in doing what they can and so do the rest.

Passion

Why would one be mad to enter this industry ?You probably wonder the long hours ,the crappy pay,the stubborn and ignorant managers or owners. Who sometimes care about the bottomline which is the money and not great guest experience. It all boils down to passion the ability to see your guest smile . The desire to see the industry grow to what it should be.

While there great establishments out here one thing is for sure it is not easy. Those of us who have come through this industry we did all sorts of jobs to get to our dreams. The beauty of all this is when you finally get there you learn to become humble. You never let it get to your head as you care more about service to people than anything else.

To those that don't understand when working together to achieve this one goal we feel more alive and like a family than anything else. We forget our differences and we stick to offer the best we can.

It is on this that great establishments understand constant employee support and fair treatment is great for the establishment. This is because your staff are the greatest salesforce you will ever need.

So let's get back to finding solutions for the future lies in mainly two things Training and Mentorship and Exposure.

Training and Mentorship

I have been able to see and be part of great trainings of different brands. However what is most important is mentorship in the industry fosters not just great relationships but seeks to preserve this industry for future generations. I can't probably stress the need for more mentorships and cultural exchange programs for hospitality industry in Africa. This is not only critical but essential in fostering growth in all departments by been exposed to different mindsets .

This is the challenge I seek to see more often than not.

Exposure

After all the training and mentorship has been fostered what is most important is exposure. The restaurant and hotels with there partners should focus on frequent exposure platforms.

During the slow months they can seek to bring in the partners for competitions across the industry or within the establishment. This competitions can range from service rated competition to back of the house competition.
This not only eases the staff but give room for them to challenge themselves.

The staff is more likely to appreciate more in career growth programs than just a cheque. To the management this improves staff retainance and establishment loyalty which results to great public relations for you.

Just remember to those that seek to enter and be part of this industry that it is not easy. However in the end once you get in the experiences make you better and the support you get from industry folks is massive. The dark lining to it is that just do you as those around you may not understand especially family but its OK you are not alone. We got you.