GM Training is a new service from The Providence Group to help lodging owners nurture skilled managers for their operations. According to President Jed Heller, the service grew from an industry need.

“In my discussions with hotel and resort executives, they bemoaned the lack of candidates with all the skills needed to be successful as a property GM,” he says. “In addition, many chains don't have the resources to coach and counsel general managers.”

Heller says the four-day course stresses leadership and management skills and enables good general managers to become great, “as long as candidates are willing to commit to improving performance and then follow through on their words.” He's so confident in the program that he won't charge a hotel owner if he or she isn't satisfied with the results of the training.

In addition to GM Training, Massachusetts-based Providence Group provides interim GMs for hotels that need them. It also provides an array of consulting and analytical services for hotels, resorts and timeshare properties.