DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Hotel GM revels
in competitionGeoff Graf has a passion
for water sports that helps
keep perspectiveAs the general manager of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, I am often asked what my typical day is like. My answer is that I walk around a lot! While this is a simple answer, it does explain my management style.
Hotel general managers deal with different and often complex issues while carrying out their duties. Most of these issues involve budgets, planning, market research and sales. The daily operation of the hotel is carried out, in my case, by one of the best management teams in the business. In order for me to participate in the daily operational activities of the hotel, I need to be out walking around the property to see and hear what's happening.
Another frequent question is how I managed to become the general manager of a beachfront resort hotel on Waikiki Beach. This is more difficult to answer since my career path has been far from typical. I hold my current position because I was tenacious in my quest to succeed and the Outrigger executive team had faith in the diversity that I brought to the job.
I have always been competitive and was fortunate to excel in a couple of sports. As a top ranked ocean kayak (surfski) and outrigger canoe paddler, I had many opportunities to travel. These opportunities started to present themselves at a time that was not conducive to my career track. When I realized that something had to give, I gave up my position as a 30-year-old general manager at a 500-room property in Waikiki to chase my youth as a competitive amateur athlete in canoe and kayak racing. This was obviously not viewed by most in my business as very smart and, indeed, I wondered myself at times. However, my almost five-year absence from the hospitality industry benefits me greatly today in my decision-making and management style. Sometimes you need to remove yourself from something in order to get a better perspective.
Family -- my wife Katie and two wonderful daughters, Kelly and Kailee -- brings focus and drive to my current position. By focusing on family, my career and work become successful as a byproduct. You will never be truly successful in your work unless you have first taken care of your family; too many people confuse the order of these priorities today.
I remain just as competitive today as when I was a nomadic paddler trying win as many races as possible; the difference is that my competitive focus is on work. I do compete in canoe and kayaking events as time allows. The difference is that the younger guys now win the race and I have settled for age-group victories.
When people ask for advice in their careers I suggest they keep everything in balance. Family, work, then play. I also encourage people to write down their own value statement. Many people write down goals, but you must first acknowledged your personal values in order to ensure that you achieve your goals in a manner that is in accordance with those values. I have a written value statement that I share with others so they will know what is important to me and help me live by my values.
Life is a journey that is continually changing course, adjust your course as necessary. A straight line is not always the fastest or the safest.
Hawaii At Work features tells what people do for a living in their own words. Send submissions to: business@starbulletin.com
