Lionel Coguiec : a born trainer in Marrakech Marrakech Hotels Marrakech riads Marrakech Restaurants

His work

‘In general most customers want to know how to improve the quality of service they provide, that’s usually the main problem. Initially my training was in food, catering, I can work directly with the staff since I speak Darija, Moroccan Arabic, fluently. This is my biggest asset, my strong point. I know the hospitality industry here in Morocco very well, since I was trained in this sector.’

The crisis

 ‘Staff should attend training and be 100% focused when doing so for it have a positive impact on quality. The crisis is a period when there is not a lot of money for people to spend on training. I think my profile will interest people who manage Riads without really knowing how. In this case I can look at how it works for employees and efficiency, and then you can specify the training to what the owner considers a priority.’

Training

 ‘My first task is to convince them they are not wasting their time and money and they did well to hire my services. There are many methods I use for training staff, audio-visuals, workshops and speech. We also do role-playing to develop what one learns during the day, I also attach great importance to explain why the training is necessary. My job is not only to improve standards and profitability; it is also facilitating the work from the perspective of the employees.’

Level of hospitality training in Morocco:

‘ I would not be able to tell if it improves or gets worse. I do not think the level is excellent, giving basic training in cuisine and reception is vital. Sometimes when I see the attitudes of young people graduating from hotel school, they don’t have basic manners and respect for customers.’

Text Julien Antinoff

Photo Lionel Coguiec

Translation Karen Athwal

To contact Lionel Coguiec:
06 67 01 61 93/06 27 81 69 00
lionellecoguiec@yahoo.fr