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The Dude Ranch 12 Basics of Employment

Starting a new job can create a bit of anxiety, especially when working for a very small business. What does the boss/owner expect of me? Good question! This is a list of our basic expectations of you. Everything we do is based on these 12 values – pure and simple.

This is the dude ranch version of the Ritz-Carlton “20 Basics”.

Sometimes, when someone expresses something so perfectly, it’s impossible to say it any better. When this happens, quote them and give credit where it’s due. The Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of luxury and excellence in hospitality. They set the highest standard for quality service and serve as one of our models of excellence. This Dude Ranch 12 Basics is copied from the Ritz-Carlton, with gratitude:

  1. We are cowboys and cowgirls serving cowboys and cowgirls. We treat ourselves, our guests, and each other with respect and dignity.
  2. It is the ranch boss’ job to make the rules. It is the ranch hands’ job to follow them.
  3. All ranch hands are involved in planning the work they do. Because of this, they take pride and joy in their work.
  4. Every ranch hand points out broken stuff to the ranch boss or just fixes broken stuff.
  5. Ranch hands work together as a team to care for guests, and each ranch hand takes care of other ranch hands.
  6. Every ranch hand is responsible for cleaning up and picking up trash – what the city folks call “uncompromising levels of cleanliness.”
  7. We are employed because of our guests. We are here to provide them with the best personal service that we can. Every ranch hand is responsible for making every guest a delighted guest.
  8. We never lose a guest. The ranch hand who receives a guest complaint will own it, tell the guest that he or she owns it, fixes it to the guest’s satisfaction, and reports it to the right ranch boss. The ranch hand is stubborn – she or he does not let go until the guest is delighted.
  9. We smile. We always maintain positive eye contact. We use the proper vocabulary with our guests; words like – “Good Morning,” “Certainly,” “I’ll be happy to,” and “My pleasure.”
  10. We all take pride in and care for our personal appearance. Everyone is responsible for conveying a professional image by grooming and dressing western.
  11. We think safety first. Each ranch hand is responsible for creating a safe, secure, and accident free environment for all guests and each other. Everyone is always aware of all fire and safety emergency procedures.
  12. All ranch hands protect what we have – the ranch and the animals. We conserve energy. We don’t waste. We maintain stuff so it doesn’t get broken. We treat equipment, especially tractors and vehicles, with respect and treat them kindly.