The Killer Instinct…Where is It..

The U of A Softball Coach Mike Candrea summarized this past season that resulted in not reaching the Women’s Softball World Series, which is rare for them. He referred to some of the team as “deadwood”, he went on to state that he has noticed a change in their mental approach in the past 5 years; he explains what he perceives a changing culture and his own demands.




He states that his team lacked enthusiasm and desire. He also said their emotion was “hollow” He said, “It didn’t come from the heart”. Asked how he would make adjustments for next season, Coach Candrea said,” If I can get the players that are productive to buy into it, police it.” He went on to say, “That’s the other thing - we don’t have the people that are willing to embrace raising the bar.”

I think that a lot of what he said can be applied to the hotel business, how many times have you felt that your staff was going through the motions, How about the losing of a Star or a Diamond. There are changes that owners and Managers have to make decisions that are in the company’s best interest. I recall going through Roderick training for Customer service years ago, and one thing that stuck with me was the idea that Manager’s tend to keep the “deadwood” and beat the “workhorses”.

I recall at a luxury property I was at we had a Director of Restaurants who was interested only in advancement, and had control of the Restaurant and Bar, in times of crisis I as Assistant F& B Manager had to tend to their problems after the fact at the direction of the Hotel Manager, I was glad to help and yes I was resented.

We need to surround ourselves with those that are stronger than us and know that we too be a better person because of it. It’s the vision we share and portray and the enthusiasm we give. I firmly believe that they are things we are taught and shown. And sometimes things we take for granted.