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Patrick Iserlohe

General Manager
Grand Hyatt Muscat

Everything finds its place eventually, you cannot force anything

The foundation for this hotelier’s enjoyable career was laid when he entered the industry

Spending time at airport lounges
Well, I am not a jet setter, so time at airport lounges is limited for me. However, if time allows I utilise the airport’s gym for running or reading. You will not find me shopping.

Dress code
In our industry, a formal dress code is advisable. However, formal dress codes do not have to be traditional or boring. A contemporary interpretation will make a good fashion statement.

Office parties
Since different departments and respective staff work different hours but 24/7 in the hotel, we never have an opportunity to be together at once. Well-planned social events where staff can interact away from work commitments is a good idea as they support team spirit.

Advice to those who want to work with you
First of all, ensure that you have a service attitude and enjoy serving your guests and staff alike; understand, accept and live the hotel industry lifestyle, which is so rewarding. Managing a business for the stakeholders is a responsibility that should be viewed posi-tively, while accepting full accountability, as if it is your own business. Only then can you achieve maximum returns.

Your vision of an ideal office
Not having an office at all. All I need is a workstation. I don’t like being surrounded by gadgets.

Had you not been in this industry, what would you have been doing?
If I could do it all over again, I would do the same. Luckily for me, I made the right choices at all times during my career. Before university I trained as a chef, and it was during those initial three years that the foundation for a successful and enjoyable career was laid.

How do you unwind?
I run every morning to get some physical exercise. Being active outdoors together with my family as much as possible also ensures a great energy boost. Apart from this, reading, particularly biographies, makes for an enjoyable time.

Any incident that has left a mark on your career?
I think experiences, not incidents, have taught me. As I work and interact with people, I learn and at times customise their experiences and behaviour to different situations. Furth-ermore, I was fortunate enough to be guided by a mentor and believe that it is the responsibility of those in leading positions to identify and mentor potential future leaders.

Your big dream
I have no big dreams, at least not in a materialistic way. Everything finds its place eventually, you cannot force it. If you force a situation, you create an expectation and if the expectation does not eventuate you will end up being disappointed.