Every morning the top management team gathered
to go over glitches—things that may have gone wrong the day before and the steps that had
been, or were being, taken to address the problem.
"Admitting what went wrong is not in the French
culture," a French Four Seasons Manager explained.
"But the meetings are usually very constructive."
Finally, about three times a year, Le Calvez and
his team hosted an open-door event inviting employees
and their families to spend some time at
the hotel. "This is to break down barriers," he explained.
"We take people around the hotel, into the
back corridors. Try to remind people of a notion
that is unfortunately being lost—that of the "plaisir
du travail"—or enjoying one's work. Furthermore,
we celebrate achievement. Good property rankings,
for example, are recognized with special
team celebrations.