Beyond Expectations: The Benefits of Unreasonable Hospitality
Inspired by Will Guidara’s book, Unreasonable Hospitality – The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, this series will highlight how harnessing hospitality can be transformative for your business.
The Principles of Hospitality are Universal
You might wonder, “What can my business learn from a book about a Michelin 3-star restaurant?” Even though the hospitality industry is often associated with hotels and restaurants, the principles of hospitality are universally applicable. At its core, hospitality is about taking care of people, and this is a valuable lesson for any business.
Hospitality Goes Beyond Service
Guidara’s concept of hospitality goes beyond mere service; it’s about being thoughtful, inclusive, and generous. Hospitality involves engaging with others in a way that makes them feel seen and valued. Many times, going to an extent that might seem unreasonable to others.
Will Guidara’s Background
Guidara grew up in the food and beverage industry. He studied hospitality at Cornell and worked in various restaurant management roles in New York City before becoming the general manager of Eleven Madison Park (EMP) in 2006. He worked with world-renowned Chef Daniel Humm and a cohesive team to transform EMP into an icon of fine dining and impeccable service. In 2017, the team’s hard work and commitment to exceptional service paid off. EMP was voted The World’s Best Restaurant, meeting a goal they had ambitiously scribbled on a cocktail napkin a decade earlier.
Providing Exceptional Care Leads to Success
While Unreasonable Hospitality is an enjoyable read about life in a restaurant, it also serves as a managerial guide. Building your business around the concept of exceptional care for those around you leads to flourishing success.
In the current age of AI, hospitality might seem like an old-fashioned idea. However, the value of authentic human connection will never go out of style. Over the next three posts, we will explore how hospitality with your customers, your employees and yourself can positively impact your business.
