Video Interview with Hotel Houskeeping Supervisor, Magdalena Sabiniano

An interview with Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor, Magdalena Sabiniano at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Magdalena a.k.a Maggie a.k.a “Supermum” is also the winner of the “Hotel Houskeeper of the Year” award at the Middle East Hotelier Awards 2007. Watch Part 1 of the interview above…Part 2 continues below.

Video 1: Are you irate at the thought of sitting at a desk on a daily basis? Looking for a more physically challenging role in hospitality where you are still afforded the guest contact? I think the larger part of us are envious of Maggie who shares her story on how she enjoys the physical work involved in her housekeeping role and is confident that she would fall ill from boredom and lack of activity if she were to try a desk based job!

She commenced her hospitality career with Al Habtoor Hotels as a room attendant. On her journey Maggie was advised by many to try alternate routes in the industry but her first love was undoubtedly with in her housekeeping role as “Supermum”! Now a housekeeping supervisor with one of the most luxurious brands in the trade, The Ritz-Carlton, Maggie is also the winner of “Hotel Housekeeper of the Year Award” at the Middle East Hotelier Awards 2007. In her current role with The Ritz-Carlton our “Supermum” is also the Department Learning Coach which she feels assists her in being innovative in how she performs within the team. Maggie strongly believes that when you commit to something you should do it with your heart and finding that one thing that you love to do shall never tire you! The “Supermum’s team are enamored by her high energy levels at the end of her shift as she has spent the day zooming  about and multi skilling between the hotel floors and public areas which also falls under the responsibility of most hotel housekeeping departments. Maggie explains the running of the two man ‘teams’ in the housekeeping department of the The Ritz-Carlton which I believe is a rare and wonderful concept! Living true to your promises was one of the best lessons Maggie learned from one of her most inspiring mentors to date!

Video 2: Patience and being organized Maggie believes are key attributes one needs to be successful in a housekeeping role. “Supermum” takes us through the different roles within the housekeeping team from runners to housemen and highlights the importance of maintaining the public areas that more often than not dictate a guests lasting impression! Not only Front Office but also the night keeping department is a 24hour operation! All associates that join the housekeeping team are trained in each of the roles from turndown service to night shift which gives the team players overall a very diverse experience. One of Maggie’s greatest achievements was to be recognized and nominated for the Middle East Hotelier Awards when in simple terms are the Oscars of the Hotel Industry! Winning the award was not even a consideration! Upon winning the award there was one story that rang home in Maggie’s head…….  At the onset of her career a lady who shall remain nameless once said to Maggie “you are only a room attendant”…..In hindsight Maggie was grateful this anonymous character had paid her that comment as this fuelled her desire and drive within to prove her wrong! “Supermum’s” final words to young hoteliers was to learn the job first, in doing so learn it with your whole heart and take pride in what you do. Patience is a must!The fulfillment factor is Maggie’s secret of success! Learn more…..

Discuss Maggie’s Interview in the YoungHotelier.com TEA Lounge:
http://younghotelier.com/lounge/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

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