It all starts at the top. Hotel organizations that lead the future of seamless customer care strive for continual improvement and adaptability. The vision and intent that filters down from upper management provides integrative processes in a more decentralized organizational format and the hotel spa becomes an integral part of this scene. When a spa director or manager clearly understands the intent of the organization, they are able to lead and motivate their team to success. READ MORE

What truly motivates a person? You won't really know unless you ask. Too often managers spin their wheels trying to think of ways to motivate their teams and often miss the mark. You might be surprised to know that money is not the driving force, especially once it's spent and gone. People want to be recognized, respected, included and supported. A collaborative style of management can go a long way in getting your spa team to step up to the plate and perform in ways you never imagined. This article explores areas that are not new when it comes to motivation but instead reviews what we most likely already know but aren't putting to use to the degree that we could or should. READ MORE

Due in large part to Governor Davis' efforts to retain his job, none of his selected lobbyist and interest groups were "left behind" at the conclusion of the 2003 legislative session which resulted in passage of a whole raft of labor-related legislation. These new laws impose additional costs and obligations on California employers who opposed such obligations, because of the challenging economic environment-among other reasons. Prudent employers will want to consider reviewing and modifying their polices and practices to ensure compliance with these new laws and to deter and defeat any claims based thereon. These and other important changes and strategic actions for compliance are set out below. READ MORE

Men's increased interest in their appearance offers significant sales opportunities. A new generation of men for whom image has been important since their teenage years, is now entering its thirties. There is much evidence to support the rise of male grooming across the world. Comparisons of sales data regularly shows that male grooming is growing faster than other segments of the beauty market. The main beneficiaries are product retailers, and in services hair salons, gyms, cosmetic laser clinics, and cosmetic surgeons. Products suppliers report that the male grooming market is no where near saturation point READ MORE

No doubt about it - from major corporations like DuPont, Caterpillar, and BP are lobbying President Bush to develop mandatory carbon emission caps to Walmart CEO Lee Scott's bold pledge to use 100 percent renewable energy and produce zero waste - companies are taking significant green steps. As Thomas Friedman, a New York Times editorialist states, "Green is ... the [growth] industry of the 21st century." However, hotel and resort companies have many questions about how best to invest time and resources toward joining the growing green movement. Namely, what exactly is the green/sustainability movement, and how does it relate to the hotel and resort development business? READ MORE