RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Originally, I was going to write on “cutting cost and not corners in hotel”, until the news of the Jos murder filtered in. I joined other teeming helpless sympathizers in empathizing with those affected. The Americans marine and their other military elites strolled into town some two weeks ago clutching their military toys with an air of arrogance. They strutted with so much swagger you will think they are foreign based professional players in camp trying to intimidate local players. For a fleeting moment, the nation unanimously welcomed them as if the Saviour had come as promised. Expectations were understandably high. Joy was palpable. And hopes rekindled. Contrary to our opinions however; the killing has increased, spate of bombing has gone up and the agitations of fading celebrities who are also trying to resuscitate their failing careers with ‘ #bring back our girls’ placards are all over town.

While the Americans were full of activity poring over their overhyped satellite imagery and their drones were busy on sightseeing, the locals in the surrounding villages organized themselves into a formidable vigilante force. Armed with clubs, machetes, dane guns, determination and African technology they dealt a deadly blow on the insurgents killing over 200 and capturing fewer numbers. Mr. President has wittingly avoided travelling to Borno for inauspicious reasons that may imply his low confidence on the cumulative security forces on ground. The Americans are unwilling to share intel with the local forces. What is however obvious is that the American marines appears more active on Hollywood movies scene than in the Sambisa forest of Bornu. Is there a conspiracy theory? I don’t know, this writer is just a hospitality consultant trying to earn a living by minding his business.

For Hotel owners looking for solutions to operational problems in their properties, hiring a consultant looks prosperous. The caveat however is that the industry is not backed up by any relevant law or charter at the moment making it a nesting place for any individual that can speak passable English language and does not have a decent means of livelihood. They come at any price and will not normally bother the owner about having a contract before being engaged. They will promise to deliver the sun when they are not aware of the gravity of the problems at hand. Unfortunately, they are mostly preferred by the gullible hotel owners for reasons like cheap labour (they consent to any fee), no binding agreement, easy to push around and extremely loyal to the Owners-sometimes at the expense of staff on ground.

Recently, there has been influx of expatriates from different corners of the world into the industry. For those who have something to offer, it is a welcome development. Sadly, most are like the Americans-loud and boisterous. If your consultant is not delivering on milestones; fire him and get a local and sound consultant. And if the owner is interfering with your duties as a consultant, take a walk. You don’t wanna compromise on your reputation and integrity.