In recent weeks, a new acronym surfaced in the national conversation: PDB. It’s short for the President’s Daily Brief, a summary of critical, highly classified information that White House aides compile to keep the president current on matters of national importance.

While nothing comparable to the PDB exists in the realm of hotel management, general managers hold daily morning staff meetings to bring their department heads up to speed on the day and week to come. Topping the list almost always will be the number of guests expected to check in and out.

Other topics for discussion include expected arrivals of groups and VIPs – including elite level members of the hotel’s frequency program. If a hotel is undergoing renovations, the discussion may include efforts to ameliorate construction noise and dust. Finally, managers will address guest comments from TripAdvisor, brand websites and other online sources.

Department heads are expected to communicate relevant information down the chain of command to rank-and-file associates. While the PDB at the White House often covers matters of national security, a hotel’s daily staff meeting is typically more about “business as usual.”

Yet both the PDB and hotel staff meetings are essential to the smooth running of their respective operations. Through the open flow of information comes meaningful communication. General managers can delegate effectively, deadlines and next steps can be agreed upon and, most importantly, associates – the hotel’s face to the guest – are empowered to do their very best.