​When I decided to embark in the corporate world in my 20’s, I figured if I just display that I am articulate and smart this will be a snap. I was wrong. Apparently, there is this unspoken rule that black women must stay within a medium of: not too happy, not too sad, never angry, and always willing to be the team player (even if the team does not want to play).
I have walked this fine line for 20 years. I have found I can never be fairly judged based on the negative stereotypes given to black women. This is what I do know about myself:

• I have an amazing home life, so I am not an angry black woman.
• I am smart, articulate, and ready to embrace change.
• I am educated, and I have the degrees to prove it.
• I don’t need anyone to help me, because I am quite resourceful.
• I belong in the corporate world based on my experience.

Why is it necessary for me to say this? Stereotyping is not winning business. Company’s lose opportunities by not understanding each employee’s communication and learning style.  No one is asking to bypass necessary skills to do the basic requirement of a job. Employees want a level playing field where you see the experience and education. No one should understand why they are being stereotyped or miscommunicate who they really are to advance in any industry.
Many companies are already understanding the importance of accepting all races, genders, and age ranges. These companies are enriched with diversity and a range of experience and skills that further grow the company. If an employer wants to take the necessary steps to understand how individuality leads to true diversity they need to eliminate stereotypes. Many opportunities can be missed by not understanding the negative effects of stereotyping. 


​Communicationscamp.com

​This new segment will specifically be labeled on a page titled “Opportunities for Excellent Service”. When you see this title, the content will include a review of one of my many adventures or research trips. The goal is to provide an objective view of the experience. The information will have facts about the experience, my personal feeling on the experience, and what could have been done differently (if anything at all). The company name will be listed; however, employee names will be left out for purposes of anonymity.  
This past week my husband and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary. Due to personal medical issues, the goal of the trip was to remain in stress free environments that allowed the opportunity for rest and health monitoring. The trip started with a short cruise and ended at the Historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. (http://www.missioninn.com/)
The Mission Inn is near and dear to us since we renewed our vows at this location 12 years ago. We have stayed at the property 1 other time after renewing our vows. We were familiar with the beautiful property and amazing guest service. On this stay however, something different happened.
 
Facts:

• We arrived earlier than check in time. The hotel happily accommodated us with early check in. Before arriving, we made sure all room charges were paid in full, so we could maintain a budget. Upon arrival, I offered my card to place incidentals on since we had a low balance on the card we initially paid for the rooms with. The agent stated that was not necessary since there was a card on file. I insisted at that time that we could not use that card and this card will need to be used. She said it was not necessary.
• When we settled in our room we received a phone call stating we needed to bring a new card down stairs, because they were unable to use the card on file. I went downstairs and provided an agent the card I initially attempted to provide. I went back to the room to finally relax.
•  We received another phone call stating that they did not receive my card. My husband explained we were just down stairs and provided a card. The person calling stated he will look around for it.  
• The first room we were assigned to had water damage. After waiting and watching several technicians attempt to fix what appeared to be a faulty air conditioner, the front desk offered to put us in a different room that is considered an upgrade.  
• Before the end of day my card was charged a 75.00 incidental deposit as expected. The next day I noticed my card was charged another 94.01. I went to the front desk and asked about the new charge. The agent explained I was charged an additional 75.00 incidental deposit along with a room service change for water I requested to the room. I explained to the agent that it is my belief that incidental charged are removed from the incidental deposit. We both agreed no further charges should be charged even if I ordered additional room service.
• At the close of our stay, I went to check out and receive a receipt. The agent stated there is a problem with charging my card. I asked her what she was charging to the card since there were holds already on the card. She went to the back to talk to her manager.
• After waiting a bit of time, I sat in the lobby and waiting. Shortly thereafter I was approached by the front desk manager and security with a bill for 30.00. I explained to the front desk manager there were already incidental holds on my account. He stated the holds did not matter, because he could not see the holds. I attempted to show him my bank ledger with the holds. He dismissed it and said it does not matter. He insisted I needed to pay an additional 30.00.
• After going back and forth on what should have happened when a hotel has incidental holds on a customer’s account, I finally stated we can call the bank and remove the holds. This will allow him to correctly charge what he needed to charge. He again tried to dismiss me stating the banks are closed on Sundays.
• Finally, I contacted the bank, they removed the holds. The front desk manager charged my card and we left. I will say during that time he offered water and an email follow up.

 
The true opportunity for excellent service is something I talk about in other blogs when it comes to setting the customer expectation. If the hotel was going to dismiss the incidental deposit policy that is listed on their website and on their front desk counter, they should have advised me correctly. This changes my willingness to order room service at all.
It also appeared the front desk manger was not trained correctly in some manner on how to address incidental holds in relation to incidentals charged to the room. When the agent heard me, and acknowledged that there were already holds on my account, he should have followed standard hotel policy to release the holds or allow the charges to settle. If he was not aware how to do this he should have waited for senior management to assist.
This does not change my view of the property and how amazing the grounds are. I would still recommend this property. I will however work with management to make sure this does not happen to any other guest. This is just another opportunity for excellent service.  
 

​We tend to be selfish human beings with this expectation that everyone should be in a special charity that develops and helps us personally. It is not possible for everyone to make you feel great all the time. It can be a slap in the face when you try to move forward in life seeking the support from friends and family only to find out they do not support your goals.
 

• First, be careful of your audience.
  • It doesn't matter how close you are to someone. If they can't provide input that can help you they are not necessary.

 

• Next limit your circle to those who are truly supportive.

 

• Finally, believe in yourself more than anyone will ever believe in you. 

 
It is more important that we develop each other and give life to our goals and dreams more in this generation than ever before.
When you talk to people about what's new or important to you, there is an expectation of overwhelming support. Instead you are given a weird look and an underwhelming response. This can be deflating.
 
It is helpful to everyone's success to provide helpful information or necessary criticism. If you can't provide that, give feedback that lets the receiver of your information know that you may not be as informed as you need to be. As a result, you truly can't provide feedback. There is nothing wrong with this.
 Let's work together to breathe life into our goals. At the end of the day we want to succeed. We can succeed if we have the right support and the right information to succeed.