Managing Change

Cathy Enz brought us through the journey of Managing Change today. In this day and age of constant change, the only truly sustainable competitive advantage you have is the ability to change. It was amazing to find out that 80% of all change strategies fail. We learned that you need to approach the science of change in a methodical manner as well as tailor the communication to a wide array stakeholders. We went through a computer simulation to implement change individually first and then in a small group. You quickly learn that you have far more success with the inclusion of leaders rather than designing and implementing organizational change on your own. I left class today with a far more structured process of how to manage change to achieve a higher success rate.

Sean

Strategic Marketing

Today’s lesson was in strategic marketing.  It was one of the most comprehensive classes so far. When looking at strategic marketing on a macro level,  you quickly realize that the marketing and operations teams need to be closely aligned.  This class gave me new insight into marketing. You truly need to know the specific needs and essentials for your targeted demographic, to be sure this is a customer base that will sustain itself over time. The biggest take away from the class is the understanding that strategic marketing encompasses a 360 degree view of your brand. You must ensure that, as part of your over-arching strategic management plan, your mission statement is aligned with your brand promise.  Moreover, your operations team must execute on all 3 levels to be truly successful. Strategic marketing is a class I would like to revisit during PDP next year.

Sean

Sunday at GMP

Everyone has been looking forward to today. Last night 18 of us went to the Heights Cafe, had a great meal, fun and the best night out yet. Lots of activities happening today, some people went to Niagara Falls, there are awesome hiking trails to choose from and lastly boat/wine tasting tours. Had a relaxing day and ready to start week 2 at GMP . I have chosen the Hotel Asset Manager course and eager to learn about the many disciplines needed to succeed in this position.

Sean

Motivating Managers to High Performance

Today's class was quite interesting, having such diversity within your class you are exposed to many different views and schools of thought. We looked at the different mechinasms to ultilize for under performing colleagues and how that differs from each of the countries represented in our class. It challenges your preconcieved notions... Everyone has been vocal with their thoughts, the breadth of thier ideas and also a lot of fun spirited conflict. I had never thought so many high level managers could be so open and honest with each other. Last night 12 of us went to the Boathouse Grill and had a great time getting to know each other even better. The exposure to all of your class mates is just as eye opening as the classes, it like getting 2 educations for the price of one

Sean

Ethical Delimmas & Decision-Making

Had some interesting case studies on ethics and decision making, everyone was put into various groups to decide what the outcome would be in real life situations. With having such a diverse class and participants from so many countries you really begin to look at your answers in a new light. The group setting allows for a greater array of ideas and you are able to fill your tool box with a new set of skills daily.

Sean

Creating Sustainable Competitve Advantage

Today's class was great!!! I am leaving class today with a new view on how your strategy should determine your day to day life in a hotel. I have learned that your mission/vision statements must be precise and fit into several key areas. You then begin to have an understanding why so many are ineffective. They are generally ineffective as they are vague and not known throughout an organization. Happy to be back at Cornell and at the General Managers Program

Sean

Excited to be this year's GMP June 2011 blogger!

Hey everyone, I'm Sean Hardy and I'll be giving you an insider's look into Cornell's exclusive General Manager's Program.  Flying in from sunny Culver City, CA, I will be blogging about my impressions, experiences, fun times, new colleagues, and what I'm learning at GMP June 2011.  I'll be reporting back to you on what I've done today soon!