December 2025: Invest in Your Team’s Learning For 2026

The end of the year is a great time to reflect on your growth and set new intentions. As the year comes to a close, many hotel teams find themselves balancing the close of a busy season with preparations for the year ahead. This natural transition point gives you a chance to step back and look at how your team has grown, where individuals have excelled, and where more support or training could unlock even greater success. One of the most impactful things you can do this month is sit down with each team member and talk about their goals for the new year. These conversations not only help employees feel valued, but they also allow you to build a plan that supports their development and strengthens your entire operation.

Continuous learning is the backbone of thriving hospitality teams. It is not just something you check off during onboarding; it is something that should grow alongside guest expectations, brand updates, and the constantly changing pace of hotel operations. Choice University (ChoiceU) is designed for exactly that. Many leaders have seen how ongoing training translates into memorable guest experiences. Consider the story of Lauren, a guest room attendant at a Choice franchise hotel. After completing a ChoiceU.com course on creating surprise and delight moments, she began placing simple handwritten welcome notes in rooms when she noticed guests celebrating something special. One evening, she learned that a family was staying with them for their son’s final cancer treatment. She left a small “Thinking of You” note with a few wrapped chocolates, an idea she picked up from ChoiceU. The family later wrote a heartfelt review naming Lauren directly. That small, thoughtful action, inspired by training, created a moment they would carry with them long after their stay.

Scenario: A breakfast attendant, Jamal, wants to learn front desk operations.

Leader: “Jamal, thanks for meeting with me. As we look toward next year, I would love to talk about your goals. What would you like to learn or take on?”

Jamal: “I really enjoy working mornings, but I have been interested in learning more about the front desk. I like interacting with guests and I want to grow into a bigger role.”

Leader: “I love that. You are great with guests, and I think you would do well there. What attracts you to the front desk the most?”

Jamal: “I want to understand reservations, check-ins, and how choiceADVANTAGE works. I also want to be ready to step in when the team needs help.”

Leader: “Those are solid goals. Here’s what I suggest: let’s create a Continuous Learning Plan through Choice University (link below under Recommended Learnings). I’ll download a copy of the outline, and then we can start building your personalized plan together!”

Jamal: “That sounds perfect. I am ready to start.”

Leader: “Great. In addition to the ChoiceU.com training, I can schedule two shadow shifts for you at the front desk. One will focus on seeing the choiceADVANTAGE system in action, and the other will focus on observing guest interactions. By mid-January, let’s reconnect and see how comfortable you’re feeling. Does that timeline work for you?”

Jamal: “Yes, absolutely. Thank you for helping me grow.”

Leader: “You are doing the hard work. I am just here to support you. I appreciate your initiative, and I am excited to see where this takes you.”

Your team is your greatest asset, and the final month of the year is the perfect time to invest in their future. Choice University is here to help you set meaningful goals, strengthen core skills, and prepare your staff for a successful year ahead. Start exploring the recommended training below and begin building a stronger, more confident team today: