Why GCO?
Interview with Chris Warman – Sr. Casino Operations Director for CCL
- In what ways does GCO stand out from other organizations in the cruising industry?
Hard for me to say as Carnival is the only company I have ever worked for (the rest of my working life was running my own business). What I can say is that I never once even remotely considered looking for career opportunities with any other companies within the cruise industry. Carnival has always been there for me. I believe what sets the company apart is the way it values and rewards your efforts, we always look to promote from within and both encourage and facilitate individual development and career growth.
- Do you believe reward and recognition add value to an organization? If so, how does GCO show appreciation for their team members?
Similar to my last answer, certainly at a shipboard level we always look to promote from within, I think this is the ultimate way we can recognize team members that add value to the organization. In recognizing team members progression, added experience and increased skill sets by way of promotions and compensation increase we not only reward those that deserve it but at the same time incentivize others who can see that hard work and dedication is noticed and pays dividends.
- In terms of career growth, what valuable advice could you impart to our team members?
1) Listen to feedback – this is important! Understand it isn’t personal but meant to be constructive. Once they are able to do this, you can turn any feedback into meaningful results.
2) Be humble and respectful to all and always strive to be a team player.
3) Ask for help – It is NOT a sign of weakness to ask for help. It is a strength.
4) Back yourself and always maintain a positive, can do attitude.
5) If you have the right aptitude, ability and guest service skills you WILL progress and be successful within our Company.
Interview with Jaque Poirier – Casino Operations Director for Holland America Group
- In what ways does GCO stand out from other organizations in the cruising industry?
Listening is an important part of how we continue to improve and GCO continues to lead the way in gaining feedback from our team members in order to improve at every level of the organization. Whether its bi-annual surveys, ship visits, or live feedback sessions, we truly want to hear from everyone and work very hard to improve based upon feedback from our team. It’s not lip service – when we say we want to know, we really want to know. I don’t see and haven’t heard of many other cruise lines and casinos within our industry that spend as much or any time listening to their team(s).
- Do you believe reward and recognition add value to an organization? If so, how does GCO show appreciation for their team members?
Rewards, Recognition, and Culture all play a major role in adding value to an organization. The leaders and team members within the GCO team are humble, give credit to one another, and are always quick to recognize and reward individuals that perform above expectations. Frankly, it makes you want to do and give more! But this doesn’t only come from the top, I see individuals at all levels doing the same thing. It’s our culture!
- In terms of career growth, what valuable advice could you impart to our team members?
Make sure you have positive mentors in your life both personally and professionally. They are absolutely critical to your success and it’s great to have supporters in your life that you can seek advice from. It’s also important that your mentors don’t just tell you what you want to hear. It’s tough love that makes you better. Honesty and candor are so important for your development.
