19 SEPTEMBER
LIVING Gets Real
Edited extracts from Living’s fortnightly show

Working Together to Foster Innovation

Highlighting the key drivers that influence team motivation in the workplace

Ishara Naufal
Senior Vice President – HR
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Radhey Tawar
Chief Commercial Officer
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Q: Do you think AI will have an impact on the ‘corporate lifestyle’ – and if so, how?

A: As technology evolves, we encourage colleagues to embrace AI tools such as ChatGPT to boost efficiency. For instance, our new application tracking system has managed 18,000 applications and hired 1,300 people for Cinnamon Life. AI simplifies recruitment by evaluating CVs based on set criteria.

While AI has been around since the 1950s, recent advancements in machine learning have accelerated its adoption. We focus on using AI to enhance guest experiences in hospitality, emphasising personalisation and instant responses, which improves bookings and conversions.

In commercial operations, AI aids the sales, marketing and booking processes, saving time on repetitive tasks and allowing staff to focus on guest interactions. Our leadership is dedicated to integrating AI, demonstrating its benefits, and improving both guest and team experiences.

Q: In your opinion, what motivates people to work together?

A: Motivation largely hinges on effective leadership. Authentic and trustworthy leaders who offer open feedback and foster collaboration inspire their teams. Sharing personal stories and creating connections help address employees’ personal concerns and enhance motivation.

Our organisation supports wellbeing through initiatives such as employee assistance programmes, which offer therapy sessions for both work and personal issues. Programmes such as ANAGRAM address criti­cal topics like trust, harassment and bullying, promo­ting a culture of openness and motivation.

Key factors in motivation include having clear and well understood goals, and maintaining a safe and non-hostile work environment. Leaders must ensure that their teams feel secure in sharing ideas openly, which is crucial for fostering a motivated and collaborative team.

Q: How do you build a team that works well?

A: Building an effective team starts with strong leadership. Leaders who connect authentically and build trust make it easier to address issues early, rather than letting them escalate. Constant communication and personal engagement also help build rapport and understanding among team members.

A key to successful teamwork is ensuring that all members have the right skills for their roles. It’s crucial to align skills with project needs, avoiding mismatches like placing a creative person in a data driven role. Clear objectives and goals for each team member are essential, and they should have opportunities to ask questions and clarify their roles.

Maintaining a safe and non-hostile work environment is vital. It ensures that team members feel secure, confident and open, which is necessary for effective collaboration and achieving shared goals.