“Life is not a rehearsal” – 60 Seconds with Michael Skehan, General Manager, The Morgan Hotel

What was your first job?

My first summer job was probably the perfect job in many ways; I filled cream and jam in doughnuts in a bakery when I was 16. The only downside was the 5am start.

What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

I really enjoy seeing people I worked with become successful in the hotel industry and in other areas. I was encouraged and guided once and hope that in a small way I played a part in their success and development.

In three words or fewer, how do you define success?

Shared vision & teamwork.

How do you motivate yourself and your team?

I am motivated by results but not just financial ones—people development, service standards and wanting to be the best we can be. Good communication is so important, and I think team members like to know what the hotel goals are and sharing this vision with them is vital. I think you also motivate people through appreciation of their work and providing them with the right work environment.