Christian Armstrong
Company:
Thistle Hotels UK
Job title:
People Director
How did you get into the sector:
I joined a management training scheme back in the 90’s.
What do you enjoy about your role:
Working in the service industry brings lots of variety and I am fortunate enough to work with some really talented people.
Career High:
Winning my Acorn Award that recognised me as one of the Top 30 Most Promising Managers in the industry.
Career low:
Spending time on nightshift, it was really difficult to adapt to and I felt cut-off from the world. I have such an appreciation for what these guys do for us and massive respect, it's not easy to work nightshift patterns.
What are your plans for the next year:
To build on our work in the areas of Employee Engagement, Talent Management and Employer Branding. This aligns perfectly to our bigger brand and company ambitions to grow our company in the UK and Asia.
What was the biggest break of your career:
Getting the chance to manage a large Restaurant team at such a young age was a real break as I was fortunate enough to have a really supportive Line Manager and fellow Restaurant Manager who both mentored and supported me through my early management days.
What are you most proud of in your career:
In the past 5 years we have really turned around Thistle and grown Guoman. Winning the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2011 was the icing on the cake as it's been a real turnaround story and I am proud to be part of it
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the industry:
There is no substitute for high personal motivation and a strong desire to learn. Push yourself forward and be keen to gain experience and people will look after you and reward you with opportunity. This industry thrives on those who want to make a positive difference both to customer and colleague experiences and if you can harness your personal motivation with deliverable results, then the future is bright.
Who inspires you:
My wife as she manages to take care of our family incredibly well and provides better coaching skills than me sometimes with the kids! Dealing with children is a whole unique skill-set and I admire how she gets so much done and still finds time to support me in my role where I spend regular periods away from home.
What do you do in your downtime:
I love cooking (must be the kitchen experience I gained) and I love spending time with my family getting outdoors and exploring or perhaps even just relaxing over lunch. Finally I play a bit of guitar and that always grounds me as you never stop learning how to play an instrument.
What question do you always ask in interviews:
I like to ask "Who is your role model and why is this person a role model for you?" as the answer often gives a real insight into the individual and the type of behaviours and attributes they admire and often repeat in their lives.
Tips that have made you a success:
Have a plan that the team is involved in and believes in, work and review that plan, make sure you and everyone around you has the opportunity to learn and make sure you give and receive feedback from those around you as feedback is a gift. That and don't be afraid to make a decision or take a chance otherwise you may regret it later.