Exclusive Interview | Mukesh Rakshit, Director of Operations, Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur

Everyone has wanted to succeed in a very short tenure which is creating a fragile structure in the Industry.

Mukesh Rakshit

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

It was an interesting story and a difficult decision to choose hotel management as a career for a small-town boy with completely different aspirations for family & friends, every parent in that era of time wants their child to be a doctor or engineer. I also opted for the same but post one year of preparing for entrance exams I dropped this idea and opted for hotel management. In the initial phase only came to know that hotel management is not so easy, it requires effort in terms of learning and practicality. 

After successful completion of education with practical on-ground knowledge of the operation, the mindset was clear to progress in the diversified field of hotel operation. Like every field, the initial days of your job are challenging, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, patience, and a positive mindset toward learning new skills and developing yourself. By God's grace I have been blessed with mentors who have always shown a path of success, mentored & guided me to achieve my goals. The best part of our life is we enjoy interacting with different people across various regions, being able to know about diversified cuisines, able to travel to different cities, and having first-hand knowledge of the same. At present, I am residing at Kolhapur which is well known for Mahalaxmi temple.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

Like every Industry our Industry also has similar attributes of success which are hard work, passion towards your job, the learning attitude is the key for success

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?  If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

In recent years of time, everyone has wanted to succeed in a very short tenure which is creating a fragile structure in the Industry. I personally check the attitude & behavior of a person, how important this is job for him, what’s his thought process towards guests and his job, and his ability to work under the different situations which are often in our Industry.

Editor: What is the single factor that got you your promotion?

As mentioned above the only factor that will promote you in your Industry or job is dedication towards your job, hard work, passion, trust in the team, relationship with the guest, and a positive learning attitude of your next-level role. 

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

There are a lot of factors that are impacting the Industry, starting from admission in colleges, post covid Admissions in hotel management colleges reduced drastically which is impacting the supply of manpower, and demands in the Industry risen however remuneration have not improved as per other Industries, working hours are long and non-classified hotels has no proper policies. The college's fees have increased very high in turn the initial pay roles post-completion of courses are very low. The work-life balance and pay scale of the Industry need to be looked upon to improve the thought process of budding hoteliers.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience? 

In the 21st century technology plays an important role starting from the quick reservation to a single-touch checkout process. Let me tell you that chat boats are enabled which are quick in generalized responses, social media platforms have made things transparent where with a click they are able to see a 360-degree view of the property, and a detailed walkthrough of the property which includes rooms, restaurants, and banqueting. The restaurant reservation systems are upgraded, and food ordering and personalized information are stored. I-pad ordering of menu where you can visualize your dishes before ordering.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

The Hospitality Industry is growing and we as Indians need to change the perspective of people on how they see a hotelier, still in the 21st century people think that either a hotelier is a waiter or a cook. We need to respect people working in the Industry. Awareness programs need to be created, proper benefit structure to be defined, Salary & working hours need be look upon.

Editor: What is your favorite interview question for candidates' interviews? and why?

I personally want to understand the attitude and behaviour of the candidate along with his family background which helps me to understand his responsibilities in his family and the need for this job to him, the level of his expectations towards guests and his family members. I believe in every position people reach they have the qualifications, knowledge, and skills for that job, so a major point for me is to see the attitude, if it's positive we can mold them as per our process, policy & expectations.