Guide to Hotel HousekeepingPalmer, Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth)
General
Guide to Hotel Housekeeping
Palmer, Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth)
Home economics; Hotels
I do not mean to infer that an employe is to be forgiven if he gets
intoxicated and is late to his work every morning, nor that a sneak, a
thief, or an agitator should be excused. To handle help on the forgiving
plan in such cases, employers would become sentimental reformers and the
worst kind of failures. Sentiment may be comforting, but it is silly
when employed in business, under these conditions. Those that desire may
practice forgiveness, but when it costs time and money and brings gray
hairs to those that are doing the forgiving, it is better to keep as
near the line of sternness as possible. Everyone employing labor should
be very careful of his manner in expressing his disapproval of the
actions of subordinates. A reprimand should never be made in anger. If a
grave offense has been committed, reprimanding should be done with great
coolness and reserve, if you would look to future events and their
probable consequences. Impertinent and forward people may be checked by
cold reserve. Often the faculties for transacting business and the
talents for directing and reprimanding are considered by fond admirers
to be the gift of nature, when, in reality, they are the outcome of
self-control and education.
Chesterfield says: "If you are in authority and have a right to command,
your commands delivered in _sauviter in modo_ will be willingly,
cheerfully, and, consequently, well obeyed."
_Attention to Details._
Hotel housekeeping is a science. The crowning excellence, as all
acknowledge, lies in giving strict attention to small things. Successful
hotel-keeping is an artistic achievement in which everything is in its
right place, is of the proper grade, shade, quality, and cleanliness,
harmonizing in every particular.
Details are repulsive to the lazy or the listless. Let the housekeeper
feel the greatness of her position and the importance of her duties, if
she so desires to succeed. Enthusiasm is an element that can least be
spared--one that must accompany the housekeeper at every step.
The question has arisen whether the housekeeper should learn without
rules, by blundering experience, or should she take what the approved
experience of others has found to be the best. No one doubts the answer.
The true way is to submit to rules and regulations and methods of
experienced and practical hotel housekeepers that have made their
profession a life-long study.
THE PROGRESSIVE HOUSEKEEPER.
The ocean is an everchanging wonder of kaleidoscopic views and no eye
ever wearies of its beauty. The earth arrays herself in such gorgeous
costumes so pleasing to man's sight that few there are who want to leave
her to try another. The child tires of the old ragdoll and cries for the
"Teddy bear." Put a new dress on the old ragdoll and it will again
become the favorite.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account