Inspirational Leadership at City Lodge Hotel: Ansie Turner’s Journey

ANSIE TURNER’S LEADERSHIP AT CITY LODGE HOTEL OR TAMBO COMBINES KINDNESS WITH DISCIPLINE. HER DEDICATION INSPIRES BOTH HER TEAM AND GUESTS.

Ansie Turner, Executive Housekeeper at City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo International Airport, is more than a manager. She is a mentor, mother figure, and friend to her team. Known for her hard work and leadership, Ansie uses kindness to create a welcoming environment and inspire success.

City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo is the largest in the group, boasting 365 rooms and often running at full capacity. Located within walking distance of the airport terminals, it offers a spacious café, sundowner bar, fitness room, and outdoor pool. The hotel also has three boardrooms with conference facilities for up to 46 guests. Operating around the clock, the hotel caters to business and leisure travelers flying in from all over the world, making it essential for staff to perform under pressure.

Ansie Turner: From Linen Room to Leadership

Ansie began her career in the linen room at The Don Hotels under the guidance of Margaret Lamont, a veteran housekeeper. From the start, she showed a natural talent for housekeeping. Her dedication quickly earned her promotions, allowing her to work in various departments.

Despite her specialization in housekeeping, Ansie believes understanding all hotel operations is vital. She says, “I’ve gained experience in all areas, and it’s important that we’re willing and able to help in other parts of the hotel when needed.”

Joining City Lodge Hotels in 1999, Ansie led the housekeeping department at City Lodge Hotel Johannesburg Airport. In 2010, she became part of the opening team at City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo International Airport. The hotel opening was a significant milestone for Ansie, and she reflects, “We went through construction, worked hard, and aimed high – that’s how you get people to see how things must be done.”

Ansie Turner: Leading with Love and Discipline

Ansie’s leadership style combines kindness with discipline. She believes in leading with love and understanding, turning aggressive individuals with potential into supervisors. “I take aggressive individuals, and if I see potential in them, I train them as supervisors. It’s incredible to watch how their whole attitude changes,” she explains.

However, Ansie Turner also knows the importance of maintaining high standards. She is firm when needed, stating, “If you break the rules, you get one more chance, but by the third time, you cannot work here anymore.”

Mentorship plays a significant role in Ansie’s life. She fondly remembers Angie Moroga, a colleague who was both a friend and mother figure. Angie taught Ansie how to mentor and motivate others, a lesson Ansie now applies to her department. “I care a lot about the ladies I work with and make sure everybody is okay,” she says.

Ansie’s empathy stems from her own life experiences. She understands how personal hardships can affect work and strives to create a supportive environment for her team. This empathy has transformed her team into more than just coworkers – they are a family.

A Housekeeper’s Philosophy

For Ansie, housekeeping is more than a job; it’s a philosophy. She believes that maintaining a clean environment helps achieve emotional and mental clarity. “If everything is clean and back in place, so too are your emotions,” she explains. Her daily routine reflects this belief. She starts her workday at 4 a.m. to ensure that by 8 a.m., her team knows exactly what needs to be done.

Ansie’s dedication extends beyond her team. She has mentored many young mothers and individuals without formal qualifications, helping them become confident and skilled professionals. She encourages a positive mindset, telling her team, “We’re not going backwards – get back to work or take a walk in the sunshine if you need a quick break, but let’s be proactive and positive today.”

Ansie’s caregiving nature also benefits the hotel guests. She believes that attention to detail in cleaning can make a hotel room feel like home. “When you clean with care and thought to create the best first impression for the guest walking in the door, it shows, and they’ll appreciate it,” she says.

The hotel’s General Manager, Ian Laughland, praises Ansie for her leadership. “We are absolutely privileged to have Ansie heading up the housekeeping team – she leads in a kind, caring manner, getting the tasks done by creating a loving environment for our team and guests. Well done, Ansie!” he says.

About City Lodge Hotels

City Lodge Hotels is a prominent hospitality group with a strong commitment to social responsibility. Operating a variety of hotels , they emphasize community engagement and innovative sustainability practices, ensuring their initiatives benefit both people and the planet.