Plano was my first official full opening since joining the team and since my own (which was awesome by the way thanks to one Lady Humphrey). When I saw the schedule and then got the travel release, I'm not going to lie when I say I hit panic mode. I would be shadowing the myth, the legend, the one and only Queen Zirkle...the longest running member of our team at 9 years, we were opening her 155th hotel and not to mention all the other conversions, etc. she has done! This was a lady that many feared and fewer had conquered....I was determined she was going to think I was a good hire and had my stuff together! The first 36 hours brought lots of emotion for me, I felt useless, as if I wasn't showing the good side of why I was hired, was I asking to many questions, not enough questions, the right questions...I could go on! Then there was a turning point at about hour 48, I became a colleague, I added value, I felt as though I was learning and finding my stride.
As I listened, hung on and soaked up every bit of her nine years of wisdom, technique and just shear passion for what we do, I was reminded again and again of why I wanted to do this job. If I've heard it one time I've heard it a thousand, that we are impacting lives, impacting a community, laying the groundwork/foundation for a successful business for years to come, for jobs in a community and instilling the passion for them to give back to that community through Spirit to Serve...she embodies every piece of that.
I asked a million questions, things that normally took her 10 mins now took her 30 mins because I wanted to do it, copious amounts of notes were written down, she got up I followed so I didn't miss a beat, I worked the checklist being developed (she rolled her eyes!!!) and I walked away with an enormous amount of respect for the myth, the legend, the one and only Queen Zirkle (because God broke the mold after he made her!)
We parted ways in Plano, she hugged me and I thought "lord I survived." I wasn't sure how she was really feeling and then once home I got some great feedback from my boss and the news that she had requested to be with me again! As I head to my next assignment in Hattiesburg MS with the Queen, to observe me this time, I feel a calmness, a confidence and prepared for an amazing week ahead! Bring it on!!!
Joe joined the party!!!!
Dinner at Julia Pearl's with Queen and Brad was full of laughter and tears, poor Sergio our waiter didn't realize he had met his match in the Queen!!!!
Working selfie!!!!!
The Queen in my glasses, but she couldn't open her eyes because the prescription hurt her eyes!!!
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