r/askhotels • u/Shostar571 • 11h ago
Jobs Hotel managers, how do you build a strong front desk team when operations are already disorganized?
I am the first Front Office Manager at this property, and I'm looking for advice from people who have been in hotel management for a while.
Before this, I worked as a Front Office Manager at another hotel, where I also acted in an AGM capacity. That experience gave me the opportunity to learn quite a bit about different departments and how they all affect the front office. Even with that background, I know every property has its own challenges, and I'm walking into a situation where things are pretty disorganized.
We're understaffed, front desk agents call off frequently, there's little accountability, and communication between shifts and departments could be much better. It feels like we're constantly trying to cover the immediate problems instead of having a consistent system in place.
I also haven't had a proper tour of the property or a chance to sit down with management and go over my role in detail. I'd like to have a clear understanding of my responsibilities, what decisions I'm able to make on my own, and what needs to be brought to management. It's been a little difficult trying to get fully settled into the role without that clarity.
My goal is to build a strong team, improve communication establish accountability, and create smoother day to day operations. I want the agents to feel supported, but I also want clear expectations and for everyone to take responsibility for their role. For those who have walked into a similar situation, where would you start? What would you prioritize in your first 30 days? I'm trying to approach this strategically rather than changing everything at once. I know building a good team takes time, and I want to create an environment where people know what's expected of them and operations can run smoothly even when things get busy.