By: Wilma S. Curato (HR & Corporate Planning Manager)
QSS did it again!
As the sole provider of the FIFA Public Food & Beverage Concessionaire Programme for the FIFA World Cup Qatar™, QSS had to triumph over the odds at what could be considered as test events such as the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™, Lusail Supercup, Turkish Supercup, and Bollywood Music Festival. We recruited 6,000 people from overseas. The on-boarding process necessitated navigating a diverse culture, rigid training, and acclimating to the stadium. That in order for us to get to the point of serving more than three million spectators over the tournament period, we had to synchronize the logistics of food supply and workforce delivery amidst operational adjustments. However, even with planned strategies in place, it was the continuing demand for inevitable modifications, bottlenecks, and restrictions that put QSS' capacity to the test. In the end, every inch of pressure gave us the chance to better ourselves by learning new things, expanding our social networks, and re-enforcing our mitigation strategies. This helped us become more than prepared for the forthcoming big initiatives in the field of mass events. As they say, “The best opportunities often disguise as impossibilities”. End of the day, we must say that we utilized the most of our resources not only to prove ourselves worthy of the project but more importantly, in support of Qatar’s efforts to build a legacy at the world’s largest single-sport competition.
Lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Congatulations QSS for this big event. I was a bit sad I did not get to work in the stadiums but I know my peers did a good job at it because I believe in them. You are all great.
Amazing! Congratulations to QSS for being able to work on FIFA
"What an amazing event! I'm sure that all of those who worked in the event had a lot of hard times but at the same time, they surely had a lot of fun! Truly a wonderful event!"
FWC2022 represents a milestone and a major turning point in QSS. Each employees showcases excellent teamwork despite of the pressure and uncertainties. But with FIFA, truly as they said, NO ONE CAN WHISTLE A SYMPHONY, IT TAKES WHOLE ORCHESTRA TO PLAY IT. Kudos, QSS!
Proper use of Technology is the best way to handle a project efficiently.
Apart from preparing preventive measures and follow up consistently, while under extreme pressure executing a major event, it helps most to make our employees feel that we appreciate their hard work and dependability. Â At the FIFA, we all realized that our people are the most important asset in the company.
From the successes and failures of the organization, we have gained a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to many different aspects of life. I strongly believe that I developed my perspective by pushing myself to my limits. Moreover, the FIFA period was a great chance to hone my skills and gain insight from my colleagues.
Overseeing the massive undertaking of QHSE and Training for thousands of staff in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar was a true test of resilience and adaptability. Such rare and amazing experience that I truly treasure in my memories.
FIFA is a once in a lifetime experience. I've learned a lot of things. Working and dealing things inside the office is my comfort zone. But joining and going to the stadium is an achievement for me. I've worked with different nationalities. Dealt with unexpected issues. Most importantly I am enjoying my duty while learning new things.
Working and collaborating with people from different cultures was extremely valuable. Handling responsibilities, enduring pressure, and discipline in order to achieve the tasks.
The value of training and leadership, Great leadership creates effective teams and effective teams produce desired business results.
Working as a QHSE Coordinator for the FIFA World Cup 2022 has been an invaluable experience. And i am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have worked in the FIFA World Cup at such an early stage of my life.
I was able to gain valuable insight and knowledge about the importance of food safety and the measures that must be taken to ensure the health and safety of all those who consume food and beverages at the event. I have learnt a great deal about the importance of safety and quality standards in large-scale events, and the necessity of implementing and following food safety guidelines. I have also gained a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining working relationships, collaboration and line of communication between staff, representative of government and non government entities in order to ensure the success of the event. Overall, I am verypleased with the lessons I have learnt from my experience with the FIFA World Cup 2022, and I am confident that I will be able to apply them to future projects.
During the events of FIFA WORLD CUP 2022, things were very hard. But, what I've learned is that while my coworkers are working hard to give for the event, I should have more patience when it comes to doing my job as a cleaner. A lot of my coworkers will be working late night shifts for the event so I must do the same and help them by cleaning more and giving them a good working area. May you be directly in the stadium or not you need patience and perseverance.
Lucky to have joined when the team was preoccupied with FIFA-related responsibilities. When I finally felt like I was putting in enough effort, the marketing team actually had me running from point A to point B. Everyone was busy so I had to literally find my way in order to complete my assignments. This taught me to be resourceful. I discovered that meeting a deadline is not an alibi for completing a task of lower quality; instead, we had to deliver the appropriate material at the appropriate time. Lastly, working for the project taught me the value of being adaptable and organized regardless of my resources or environment.
First, I learned to obey foremost before I complain. During FIFA, we had no time to say "No" or "I can't". I didn't know how capable I was until I was given a huge responsibility and while I wanted to give up on stress and emotional highs, I had no choice but to continue pushing myself.
Second, I realized that indeed, no man is an island because no matter how I tried to do the tasks with my own hands, I still needed the help of my co-workers to get the job done easier.
Lastly, I learned that comparing my sacrifices with those of others will make a person lose focus. The best way to remain unbothered was to justify it in my own thoughts that they may have a quiet way of achieving and that not because they were not loud and open, they were not struggling.
Now, I can finally say FWC2021/2022 in QATAR is my greatest achievement and I'm proud of myself that I'm able to be a part of it.
It's always inspiring to see a team come together and achieve great success. As an employee, I feel proud to have played a part in this accomplishment. The hard work, dedication, and commitment of the team have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the company.
I have had the opportunity to witness Qatar Star Services L.L.C's dedication to ongoing training and education, which has undoubtedly played a significant role in achieving this milestone.
This milestone is a testament to our expertise, our tireless efforts, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our customers. Our work has not only ensured that our food is safe and healthy, but has also earned the trust and confidence of our customers, clients, and government authorities.
As a food safety coordinator, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to ensure that all food products are safe and free from contamination. The achievement of FIFA World Cup 2022 is a significant milestone in the industry.
I am particularly impressed with the level of commitment and dedication shown by the entire team in achieving this milestone. From the leadership team to the front-line workers, everyone has played a critical role in improving our food safety performance.
This achievement demonstrates our capability and our commitment to ensuring that our customers receive safe and high-quality food products. It also highlights our willingness to embrace new technologies and best practices in order to stay at the forefront of food safety.
I am confident that this milestone is just the beginning of `many successes that we will achieve together in the future. Qatar Star Services L.L.C's commitment to excellence is an inspiration to us all, and I am honored to be a part of this team. Congratulations once again on this incredible achievement!
We did it again, and we will do it again.
It could have been easy to stand out and shine by letting everyone see that you worked a fourteen to sixteen-hour day, seven days a week to accomplish the tasks. Nonetheless, there was a contagious energy present everywhere that naturally transformed into "team work". More importantly, apart from the technical knowledge gained, I value the character development. I never imagined that I would develop the maturity to handle in an objective manner the strain of crucial tasks, do or die deadlines, last-minute modifications, and tense arguments. It was during that period of engagement that I started understanding how and when emotional intelligence (EQ) outperforms intelligence quotient (IQ).
As someone who's never experienced working at FIFA before, I can only imagine how hard it is inside all stadiums. It must've been very hard for all people who worked there. That is why I respect and admire them. To be able to pull such a hard task and come out of it as an even greater person than you were is something to be proud of.
Fifa is a very big event so something that can be learned from this big event, managed by many people, is that teamwork, perseverance and, trust on people around you can get you far. Don't limit yourself to just being a lone worker. Like what the saying says, "STRENGTH IN NUMBERS".
Teamwork of a group of people at different levels.