The Lineup

It's one thing to have a Credo, Three Steps of Service, and 12 Service Values like the Ritz-Carlton (see the post here for more details). Many businesses go through the exercise of defining key values or composing mission statements. They might even display them in their literature, or in imposing art displays on the corporate walls.

But how many business leaders understand the importance of regular and repetitive presentation of these core aspects of their business - not only to management, but to their front-line staff?

Enter the "lineup" at Ritz-Carlton.

To truly appreciate the Ritz-Carlton leadership approach to repeated dissemination of the "Gold Standard" mentioned above, you would have to drop in on a section of the housekeeping staff as they prepare for their days work - or at the corporate headquarters - or in the kitchen of the fine restaurants that serve the hotel chain - or anywhere, and everywhere, throughout the entire organization.

You would observe that a meeting is taking place at the beginning of each shift. Not just any meeting, though: the leader in each group starts by sharing the Credo and talking about the importance of creating a unique guest experience. Another team member might share a guest story from a Ritz-Carlton hotel in another country. Another team member shares how what they do in their department helps create memorable guest experiences. Then a few quick announcements, special recognitions are given, and the meeting is closed with a motivational quote by another team member. 

All in about 20 minutes.

Every day.

On every shift.

In every Ritz-Carlton hotel and office around the world.

The magic of the lineup involves the following:

• Repetition of values - the core belief that values need to be discussed daily, and that values can't be discussed enough
• Common language - shared phrases across all tasks binds the team together
• Visual symbols - The Credo is printed on a card that all team members carry at all times
• Oral traditions - Personal, direct, and face-to-face communication makes a huge impact in a world increasingly dominated by e-mail, text, and voice messages
• Positive storytelling - stories communicate life in a powerful and memorable way
• Modeling by leaders - the active, daily presence of the leaders communicates the importance of the time together

What would "lineup" for each of your Guest Services teams do to preserve the core values, communicate the importance of everyone on the team, and provide momentum for the day's activities?

Or how about this word for the process? Alignment.