🌟 Conflict resolution & complaint handling in a 5-star hotel, part 5, take responsibility (A2)

Rule: Do not blame other people.
Always say: “I will fix this for you.”
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1) Why it is important

  • Guests feel safe when staff take responsibility.
  • It shows respect and care.
  • It builds trust between guest and hotel.
  • Guests expect staff to be responsible in a 5-star hotel.

2) What to say (good words)

  • “I am sorry. I will fix this for you.”
  • “Thank you for telling me. I will fix this for you.”
  • “I understand. I will fix this for you.”

3) What not to say (bad words)

  • “It is not my job.”
  • “Another department made a mistake.”
  • “I don’t know.”

4) How to speak

  • Use a calm voice.
  • Look at the guest.
  • Speak clearly.
  • Always say: “I will fix this for you.”

5) Short role-play examples

Example 1
Guest: “My room is noisy.”
Staff: “I am sorry. I will fix this for you.”

Example 2
Guest: “My bill is wrong.”
Staff: “Thank you for telling me. I will fix this for you.”

Example 3
Guest: “My room is not clean.”
Staff: “I understand. I will fix this for you.”


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Take Responsibility

In a 5-star hotel, it is very important to take responsibility. When a guest has a problem, the staff must not blame other people. Guests do not want to hear excuses. They want to hear that the hotel will take care of them.

Taking responsibility means using the right words. The best words are: “I will fix this for you.” These words are short, simple, and strong. They show the guest that the staff member cares. They also show that the staff member will take action.

When a guest is upset, the wrong words can make the problem worse. For example, saying “It is not my job” or “Housekeeping made a mistake” is not good. These words blame other people. The guest will feel angry or disappointed.

The correct way is always to accept the problem. The staff should look at the guest, stay calm, and speak clearly. A smile and polite tone also help. Then, the staff should say: “I am sorry. I will fix this for you.”

This small sentence builds trust. The guest feels safe and respected. Taking responsibility is the heart of excellent service.


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Vocabulary:


  1. To take responsibility – to say a problem is your job and you will do something.
  2. To blame other people – to say the problem is someone else’s fault.
  3. To hear an excuse – to listen to a reason why someone says they cannot do something.
  4. To take care of a guest – to help a guest and make them feel good.
  5. To take action – to do something to solve a problem.
  6. To be upset – to feel unhappy or angry.
  7. To make a problem worse – to make a problem bigger or more difficult.
  8. To feel angry – to have strong bad feelings.
  9. To be disappointed – to feel sad because something is not good or not what you wanted.
  10. To accept the problem – to say “yes, this is a problem” and not blame others.
  11. To stay calm – to not get angry or nervous.
  12. To speak clearly – to talk so other people can understand you.
  13. A polite tone – a nice, friendly way to speak to people.
  14. To build trust – to make someone believe you are honest and reliable.
  15. To feel safe – to feel no danger and feel protected.
  16. To feel respected – to feel that people are nice and care about you.
  17. To be the heart of excellent service – to be the most important part of very good help to guests.

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Cheat sheet 1:


TopicMeaning / ExplanationExample Phrase
Take responsibilitySay the problem is your job and you will help“I will fix this for you.”
Do not blame othersDon’t say it is someone else’s fault❌ “Housekeeping made a mistake.” ✅ “I will fix this for you.”
ApologizeSay sorry to the guest“I am sorry for this problem.”
Listen carefullyPay attention to what the guest says“I understand.”
Speak clearlyTalk so the guest understands“I will fix this for you.”
Stay calmDo not get angry or nervousSmile and speak slowly.
Polite toneSpeak in a nice and friendly way“Thank you for telling me.”
Accept the problemAdmit there is a problem“I understand this is a problem.”
Build trustMake the guest feel you are honest and reliable“I will take care of this for you.”
Feel safeMake the guest feel no dangerCalm voice + confident words
Feel respectedMake the guest feel importantListen, speak nicely, and apologize

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Cheat sheet 2 – key points:

Step / PrincipleWhat to DoExample Phrase
1. Listen to the guestPay full attention. Don’t interrupt.“I understand.”
2. ApologizeSay sorry politely.“I am sorry for this problem.”
3. Take responsibilityAccept the problem as your duty. Do not blame others.“I will fix this for you.”
4. Stay calmSpeak slowly and clearly. Keep a friendly tone.Smile, calm voice.
5. Use polite languageBe respectful and professional.“Thank you for telling me.”
6. Repeat the problemShow the guest you understand.“I understand your room is noisy.”
7. Promise actionGive clear words that you will handle the problem.“I will fix this for you.”
8. Follow-upCheck back to make sure the guest is satisfied (if possible).“Is everything okay now?”

Key Points to Remember

  • Never blame other people.
  • Speak politely and calmly.
  • Show the guest you care.
  • Always use: “I will fix this for you.”
  • Taking responsibility builds trust and respect.

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Flowchart:


Guest has a problem or complaint
            |
            v
      Staff listens carefully
            |
            v
     Staff apologizes politely
            |
            v
  Staff takes responsibility (do not blame others)
            |
            v
   Staff says: "I will fix this for you."
            |
            v
   Staff stays calm and uses polite tone
            |
            v
 Staff repeats or confirms the problem to show understanding
            |
            v
       Staff follows up/checks
            |
            v
Guest feels safe, respected, and satisfied

Tips for staff

  • Always stay calm and speak clearly.
  • Never blame other staff or departments.
  • Use polite language at all times.
  • Saying “I will fix this for you” is the most important step.
  • Follow-up if possible to make sure the guest is happy.

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