Leaders Eat Last

The rise of the racquets industry has changed the scope of importance of racquets in the field of country club hospitality. Accompanying this evolution is a greater demand on staff and even greater demand on our leaders. The opportunity has never been better and the path to success has proven to be crystal clear. As leaders, the most important thing we can do is to be first to the front line, but last to the finish line. You must expect more but give more than ever before. At its core, leadership must always come from the heart.

The idea of mentorship has a long history stretching back to the beginnings of mankind. In the simplest of terms, it is a person of success guiding others along that same path to maximizing their possibilities and potential. However, many leaders are quick to talk and slow to listen. Mentorship is best approached as a two-way street. A good mentor knows that those under his or her guidance will ultimately move on to achieve their highest success, and a teacher gets no greater feeling of fulfillment than watching their students continue to rise on their journey to the top. It is never easy to lose someone we invest in since we give a part of ourselves to truly lift up those around us. We often give up time with our families and extend already long days, but the cost of leadership is frequently sacrifice—sacrifice for the people around us that we choose to invest in. It is never perfect timing when someone you have mentored is ready to test their own wings and it is exceptionally rare to be completely prepared for the best things in life. The truly great opportunities are the ones that force you to grow to fulfill them. I have been a Director for over a decade and only once have I started a position I felt I was 100% prepared for. However, I am proud to say I have succeeded at the highest level in every one of my positions. I have found this success through a consistent combination of dedication, investment, and most of all belief.?

As leaders, we must cultivate unwavering belief and instill that same belief in the people we mentor. Instead of telling them “you are not yet ready,” tell them “I am here to support you at every turn.” A leader inspires people daily and makes those they support feel that their helping hand is available at any time. Leadership is less about glory at the surface and more about leading from behind. It is leading while at the same time taking a backseat to let others shine. If you are in a leadership position you are responsible for the overall success of your program. When your programs succeed, it is a reflection of your success. When your people succeed, it is a reflection of your success. Rather than be threatened by others’ success, celebrate and promote it! I view my greatest career accomplishments to be the success of the people I have had a lasting impact on. I attempt to fuel a culture of high expectations and celebrate that high success when it is achieved.?

Racquets has changed the balance at clubs across the country. Without question, racquets offers more entry points, and more overall overlap than any other amenity at a club. It is the numerous options that racquets provide through sports such as tennis, paddle, pickleball, squash etc. that bring members of all backgrounds to the club. It is these options that hold appeal and value, which brings new members to the club. These opportunities apply to membership, but apply just as much to staff. This is what I refer to as, “growth through racquets”. Growth through racquets is the understanding that each racquet sport complements and grows the others. The more options that are provided, the more opportunities we give ourselves for success.?

This growth is also personal, particularly when it comes to leadership. The more opportunities we are given, the greater the responsibility to make the most of them. The ever growing offerings in racquets require a deeper education in each sport and how they fit together as a whole. We must be able to teach, program, staff, and connect the dots throughout all racquet sports. This adds additional pressure to the job but the payoff is well worth the effort. As racquets grows, so does interaction with new members. It is essential that we make the most of our interactions and turn them into positive possibilities. As the saying goes, you only get the opportunity to make a first impression once, and every new member interaction is an opportunity to shape an experience and create memories.?

To continue to grow as a leader you must become accustomed to saying goodbye. In many ways it is actually far easier to help someone on their way up than to help them on their way out. How we part ways and continue to support someone, even long after they have gone, is what separates a mature leader. It tells much about one’s character and leaves a lasting impression on those around us. I have always told my staff that they have my indefinite support, whatever path they ultimately choose to take.?I will always be there to have a conversation, offer a hand, or give advice. I only ask that I receive the same respect and support in return.?

There are very few great opportunities in life; as a leader we must help others to recognize their goals and give them the courage to go after their dreams. Anyone can lead, but not everyone is a true leader. In my experience, there is no greater feeling of success and pride than helping someone grow and move on to something greater.?