An HR professional recently stayed at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai and was surprised to find a dog sleeping peacefully at the hotel’s entrance. Rubi Khan’s curiosity about the dog’s presence led her to ask the staff about it. They informed her that the dog had been a part of the hotel since birth. The staff explained that Ratan Tata had issued strict instructions to treat animals entering the hotel premises “well”.
In a LinkedIn post, Khan expressed, “…this place [Taj Mahal Hotel], home to numerous guests ranging from political dignitaries to national and international celebrities, values every being within its walls. The entrance of such a prestigious establishment holds significant importance, and there he was, peacefully sleeping, perhaps unnoticed by many of the guests.”
She said, “Amidst the chaos, he owns the place, finding his sanctuary.”
Khan further added that she experienced “inclusion, psychological safety and emotional intelligence in action” at the hotel. “In the midst of leading and driving business while being customer-obsessed, the true soul of a business is reflected in how it treats others. We often speak about inclusion, biases, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence. I witnessed all these principles in action here. It’s a fine balance of head and heart, being authentic, and not worrying about what others might think as they enter this esteemed property,” she wrote in her post.
“You can be the most successful entrepreneur, but that should never stop you from respecting and embracing everyone,” Khan stressed.
The post, since being shared, has accumulated a flurry of reactions and numerous comments, including one from the hotel itself.
Taj Hotels dropped a comment on Khan’s post: “Hi Rubi, thank you for sharing this story. At Taj, we value compassion and inclusion, ensuring every guest feels at home. Your reflections truly resonate with our core values.”