By Evan Talbert, Highland Community College Hospitality Management Instructor
December 19, 2017
The idea of always learning is something I have believed strongly, even before becoming the Hospitality Management Instructor at Highland Community College two years ago. Learning is at the very essence of education. Always learning is how we continue throughout our lives to open doors, explore new possibilities, acquire a better understanding and knowledge of our community and the world around us, and move ahead in that world.
My hope is that my students will graduate from Highland with a better understanding of society and have a greater sense of what knowledge and skills will be needed for their futures, not only as professionals in the hospitality industry but, more importantly, as citizens of this world. My hope is all of our students pick up these key life lessons as they begin their lives as adults.
In many industries, someone who is good in their particular career — whether it be as a server, chef, mechanic or teller — is rewarded with promotion. But sometimes what gets lost in that promotion is the understanding of how to be a successful leader. The ability to lead is learned along the way, with experience and guidance in the forefront. Every successful community needs leaders in order to grow.
It sounds cliché, but we must learn how to go the extra mile for people, no matter if it is a take-out meal, a corporate meeting or a wedding. Customer service can make or break a business, and those of us in the hospitality industry have the ability to make an experience a forgettable or memorable one.
I teach my students to look through the eyes of the most demanding guest. What would they notice that wasn’t perfect, wasn’t up to the highest standards? We must learn how to take the time to listen and then to make things perfect, not only for them, but for us. Details are the most important detail.
Finally, things change. What was once in is now out. Change today happens at the blink of an eye. Technology and social media are a big part of today’s world and are growing bigger and bigger by the minute. We must always keep up with what’s new, be able to identify future trends and adapt our response to change that is inevitable to occur.
In the tourism industry we often discuss the interconnected nature of the many parts: hotels, restaurants, activities, shopping, transportation, etc., and the vital roles they all play in our communities. I’m excited about the all-in branding effort because I believe it will take all of us working together to move Freeport and Stephenson County forward.
Each of us needs to do our part and make the commitment to always be learning about what it takes to sustain success in our community. We move ahead by learning — always.
Evan Talbert is the Highland Community College hospitality management instructor. Journal Standard article link.
