I was recently invited to a great event at the St. Raphael hotel for the celebration ceremony of the 30 years of existence. It was a great fest, with all employees and associates invited to celebrate together with the proud Shammas family. It took place at the huge and beautiful gardens of the Resort, a place almost on the beach where many events are happening every year. It was set very carefully , with lot of food and beverages, champagne and live cooking, fireworks, live music and the famous Hovik singing with passion. A real fest. We have really enjoyed the night and I was wondering what was so different this time. We are in the Hospitality industry for a few decades, more or less, the venue and even people were familiar. But still there was something exiting me especially.
I don’ t know how to write an article with fancy words and descriptions but the catching moment was that moment when Mrs. Farah Shammas, the Managing Director and property owner stood on the podium as a Great Leader. She did’;t say the big words of a politician nor the protocol word coming out of the Management meeting minutes. Despite her young age, she stood u there and gave love! She expressed her feelings from the bottom of her heart. She almost become emotional when she refer to her father “her life inspiration”. And this is normal.
The Greatest probably moment, was when she proudly announced that almost half of employees, are working there for more than 10 years. Almost 50 of them are there since opening. Although she honored them the day before the event she wanted to make sure that this important fact should be clear for her first, so she called a few of them (I am sure she would like to invite all) on stage to express her appreciation of their loyalty.
Working as a consultant on Human Capital, employers usually call me to find some ways to get rid of some old staff! This is not bad when occasionally, for the good of the team, “clean your garden” from parasites. But it;s not the way it works here in this rocky island. Most of employers do nothing, no healthy environment, no good salaries, no team activities, no motivation, no caring for employees. This is probably the answer for the high staff turnover. So, it’s an oasis in the desert when having companies in the economy, who respect, invest and honor their people.
Thinking it over and over in my mind, I can only feel privileged, been a business associate with a company like St. Raphael and a great Leader like Mrs. Farah Shammas…our Farah!
