Part+B-+Putting+Your+Travel+to+work+in+Industry


 * Part B- Putting Your Travel to Work in the Industry**

//On return from your travels you begin work in a large 5 star establishment that deals with many international guests.//

Upon returning from my travels in Canada, I gained the opportunity to work as function and events coordinator in a renowned 5 star establishment. I believe that my travels helped me be able to communicate and assist people from different backgrounds a lot better. However, upon my first day, a family of Indian Muslim’s booked into the hotel as guests for one of the functions I was running. I had not been informed of their cultural requirements and they were very unhappy when, upon the alternate drop menu, they were presented with dishes containing meat (despite not making a special request upon staff enquiry). They were further angered by the duration of the function, saying it did not take into consideration their prayer needs. As function manager, I approached the family table at my first available chance and asked them about these problems and how we could effectively fix them. Fortunately, they all spoke some English so I could determine the main cause of their complaints. Following the five listed steps I was able to handle the situation:
 * I listened to them very carefully, supplying help with the English language and showing much empathy and sincere apology
 * Immediately switched their meals to the vegetarian alternatives, thus showing the family how much I value their custom
 * Offered sincere apology on behalf of the establishment, and offered them complimentary drink vouchers
 * Assured them that their need for prayer would be honored if they wished to excuse themselves at an time to do so, they would be allowed back into the function whenever they wished
 * Carefully monitored all meals that were to be presented to them to ensure a similar problem would not occur

As part of my cultural experience, I feel that when it comes to dealing with customers and colleagues with social/cultural differences I would be able to effectively compromise and avoid conflict in any workplace environment. In my opinion it is essential that we all realise that the world is a large place and we all come from different backgrounds, but in order to survive and live happily we must work together and respect each other. I will now be conscious of all guests and colleagues cultural background (if possible) when it comes to addressing them i.e. Sir/Madame and will also try to be conscious of the level of formality required for each guest. It is also essential to take into account the work ethic of people from different backgrounds, where people may have a different opinion of work ethic it is essential that we ensure work is fairly distributed. The level of personal grooming usually follows an industry standard that everyone should adhere to, if there is a problem in this area, these needs to be discussed with management i.e. Special head-dress etc. Family obligations and religious holidays need to be something taken into account with customers and colleagues from different cultural/social backgrounds. These should be clearly pointed out to management however some situations may arise where problems may occur with these issues and it is important not to discriminate in relation to these matters. Finally, it is important to take the special needs and customs of all people from different cultures into consideration, such as the above identified need for prayer. If these special needs hinder the normal way a workplace would run, ideally a compromise needs to be made, however if their needs and customs do not cause any issues then they should be encouraged to engage in paying tribute to their culture.