Necessary ompetencies for a Ground Hostess - Essay Example

The ability to handle diverse people and the capacity to solve problems without escalating them are desirable for any individual seeking to serve as a ground hostess, owing to the fact that encountering some mini-crisis is not too uncommon, especially when dealing with tired and exhausted people (Air hostess, 2012 n.p.). Further, it is not known when a situation may arise that might bring about the need for extended services beyond the normal routine scheduling, thus requiring that an individual seeking to work as a ground hostess should be flexible and have the ability to work for long hours (Wadhwaney, 2004 p55). Nevertheless, there are several fundamental competencies and attributes that are necessary qualifications for the position of a ground hostess.

Necessary competencies for a Ground Hostess

Pleasing and confident personality

A pleasing and confident personality is a fundamental requirement for an individual seeking to work as a ground hostess, considering that it is a position that entails dealing with diverse people directly, and thus there is a need to be able to handle them appropriately, and make them feel comfortable, even when the situation does not speak to the same (Morgan, 2005 p156). Considering that occasional occurrences that may disrupt the travel plans and comfort of the airline travelers are not inevitable, a pleasant attitude and personality are essential, to give the affected people reassurance, while also making it possible for those with issues to approach and enquire from the person, since a pleasant personality translates into a welcoming attitude (IGIA, 2013 n.p.).  

Strong communication skills and command of key languages

Communication has always formed the basis of establishing a relationship between individuals, and thus excellent communication skills, coupled with a good command of key languages used in the region is essential, to ensure that there is effective interaction between the ground hostess and the visitors to the airline (Kent, 2002 p27). While the ground hostess is in a position to communicate well with the travelers, then, the person becomes helpful to them, since they will be able to enquire regarding various aspects of their travel, and get helpful information (Canwell & Sutherland, 2003 p53). Further, the ability to communicate efficiently with the travelers, and in the language they understand well, forms the basis of visitors achieving a rewarding experience, which may act as the basis of future engagement with the airline (IGIA, 2013 n.p.).  

Patience

While the other attributes are considered essential for the position of a ground hostess, nothing would be more necessary than patience, which is the attribute that allows an individual to keep calm and resilient when handling a crisis, without the possibility of escalating the situation (Air hostess, 2012 n.p.). Therefore, patience allows the person working as a ground hostess to address the issues raised by the visitors to the airline amicably, without resulting in unnecessary conflicts with the visitors, even when such visitors could be harsh, rude, and condescending (Great Britain, 2012 p41). It is through patience that a person working as a ground hostess will be able to assist and offer guidance and direction to visitors, especially those who are first-time travelers or those who are new to the airline and may not understand the necessary procedures. Patience allows the ground hostess to take the views and opinions of the customers regarding the improvements on how their needs should be met, without becoming offended or irritable (Hayward, 2002 p53).

Teamwork and collaboration skills

The ability of an individual seeking to work as a ground hostess to work well with fellow employees is of the essence, considering that there are situations that may arise that the person cannot handle singly, and will therefore require the assistance of colleagues (Goodwin, 2000 p237). Without the ability to work well with fellow workers and collaborate with the organizational team to meet the needs of the customers and visitors to the airline, the business of the airline is set to diminish (Air hostess, 2012 n.p.). Thus, it is vital that an individual seeking this position is in a better position to collaborate and work in a team, towards improving the experience of customers.

Conclusion

The position of a ground hostess is one that requires an individual who will be of assistance to the customers and the visitors to the airline. Therefore, nothing would prove as an essential qualification for such an individual than a pleasant personality, expression of confidence, ability to work well with fellow employees, and patience. Further, it is necessary that such an individual should be flexible, to be able to cover any extension deemed necessary, based on the prevailing conditions. The possession of such attributes, coupled with exposure to tourism and travel fields, as well as excellent communication and good command of languages, places an individual in a better place to serve in the position.