SHAPE
S.H.A.P.E. provides ambitious and talented team members from across the company’s multi-branded portfolio of hotels with the understanding and experience they need to become future leaders. Through a series of set modules, workshops and different training tasks, the S.H.A.P.E. course covers every aspect of what it takes to run a hotel and be part of a thriving hospitality business.
Starboard is very passionate about providing opportunities for promotion from within the company and giving team members the chance to learn and grow. This is why SHAPE was created and since its launch in 2019, it has seen graduates from across Starboard Hotels achieve their goals and progress to management positions, including some stepping into General Manager roles.
An interview with Saira, a member of the 2022 class of SHAPE
What is your position at the hotel?
I am currently a Guest Service Manager at ibis Styles Birmingham NEC
What is your favourite memory from your time at the hotel?
Being promoted to a Team Leader within 6 months of being employed is my favourite memory, as it shows I have already learnt and will teach me so much more as I progress.
What was the main reason for you applying to SHAPE?
I want to progress to a higher position within Starboard and also learn more about how to be a better manager and about my capabilities.
Which aspect have you enjoyed most?
The Team of SHAPE participants has been great and all the great support we have and are receiving from Bev / Joanna. So far I have enjoyed finding out my insight colour and what it means because it helped me learn more about myself.
Which aspect have you found the most challenging?
To be honest, it's all new and we have only had 3 sessions so far, but nothing challenging as yet. I am sure if there was something I was struggling with I would get plenty of support from all the team and people involved in SHAPE.
Which activity did you find the most useful, and why?
The insight theory as this really reflected on my personal life. In the report, most of it was actually how I am as a person in real life. I found it strange how a few questions can show your character on paper.
What is your biggest takeaway from the experience?
Teamwork and determination can help you achieve great heights.
What are your career goals, and have they changed since you began the SHAPE programme?
Yes, I feel after this programme, with what I have and what I will learn, I will get more insight into how I can adapt my skills. With what I have learned, my aim is to progress in my role and to one day be a GM and thanks to SHAPE I believe I can achieve that.
Would you recommend applying for SHAPE, and why?
Yes, I will recommend applying for shape because it’s a great platform to help you achieve your goal in the future and you learn so much about yourself and other people within the company and develop skills you already may and may not have.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for SHAPE next year?
Go for it.
key Takeaways from SHAPE Graduates
Joanne Amos is part of the Revenue Management Team at Starboards Chorley office and is a graduate of the 2019 class of SHAPE, and these are her key takeaways from her experience of the programme.
The exposure throughout the company was a big one for me as I was fairly new to the company then and got to meet the Senior Management Team and learn about the operational side of Starboard.
All of the courses were filled with information – some you might already know, but in every single course, I took something away with me which was new and invaluable.
We Learned our “colours” through Insights and about ourselves through this.
Listening and learning through my colleague's experiences was fascinating. We go through so much in our careers, but there is always something you have never experienced but working so closely with the others on SHAPE you know full well someone has been through it.
To find out more about being a member of the Starboard community check out My Year with Starboard Hotels.