It was Christmas Eve 1818, in a small village in the Austrian Empire. A young priest named Father Joseph Mohr faced a difficult situation. Scheduled to lead that evening's church service, he found the church’s organ inoperable, having been damaged in a recent flood. Facing the daunting challenge of leading a mass without music, he stepped back and asked himself how to make the best out of this disappointing situation.

​With or without an organ, he was determined to create a service that evening that would inspire and touch the hearts of all who attended. With some divine guidance, he was led to take what he had in his hands and seek partnership with a talented associate — and together they created something special.

You see, a few years prior, Father Mohr had written a poem, titled “Stille Nacht". He believed that if he could have someone create music that was performed only with a guitar, he could use the words in his poem to bring music to the Christmas Eve service. With the help of a local schoolmaster and organist named Franz Xaver Gruber, the melody for a song we now sing every year was created: Silent Night.

In these coming days, as you hear Silent Night (or another one of your holiday favorites), I hope that you’ll remember Father Mohr, that his story will inspire you to THINK BIG, and that you’ll step forward without fear to bring to fruition the dreams that are inside of you.

Enjoy the season, but never miss an opportunity to make an impact. The world awaits the full impact of who you are — and the talents that you have. Happy Holidays!

​~ Arthur

Recently the #WDYS4 marketing team shared a Forbes article with me about the hotel industry's sustainability (or lack thereof) during the current coronavirus crisis without government funding, suggesting that I write a blog responding to the issues raised.

Think Big
The hospitality industry employs millions. Imagine if we spoke as one voice. The auto industry employs far fewer people, yet their voices have influenced governmental policy very effectively for years. If they can be “bailed out”, why not us?

Act Small
Behind everyone employed it the industry is a family or a community that is impacted by the jobs potentially lost without government intervention. They deserve someone to speak for them.

Fail Fast
This is a low risk ask. A letter or email to our local government officials can influence the right decision makers.

Teach
As leaders we need to share this need and information with our employees so they learn to embrace the power of the industry speaking as one voice.

So now with my eyes and mind wide open, I am believing leaders in hospitality can make a difference in the government’s decision to support the needs of our millions of employees and their families. I hope you will join me and choose to stand up and make a difference!

~ AK