In this Club Solutions Mastermind Group member spotlight, industry veteran Joe Cirulli, the founder of Gainesville Health & Fitness, discusses leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous learning, industry trends, how to focus on winning, and more.
What is your leadership philosophy, and why?
I believe in hiring the people who fit into the culture of Gainesville Health and Fitness (GHF) and have our core values. Once that’s in place we start training everyone on the different aspects of the company. They’re put into positions where they can flourish. Then, we elevate the ones who excel. We give them more responsibilities and prepare them for advanced, upper-level positions. Once those positions become available, we have the staff we need to fill them. From there on out it’s a matter of weekly meetings to keep everyone focused on the goals we’ve set in place. Developing and leading the staff this way teaches all level of leaders how to keep everyone focused.
What is the importance of continuous learning as a leader? Is it vital to success?
To me learning is what leads to creativity. Without creativity we’ll stagnate. And learning can come from a variety of ways. Learning about history and how things were created — from our greatest leaders and innovators — inspires us to keep searching for better ways of doing things. It’s absolutely necessary to keep us moving forward.
What has been key to GHF’s continued success over the last 44 years?
Never thinking we’re good enough at anything we do. Never looking back at any accolades we’ve received or believing our own press.
What’s an industry trend you’re keeping an eye on other operators should be aware of?
We study what’s happening in society and which direction the waves are moving, watch what the kids are doing, and look at overall trends in health — both physical and mental. Never stop thinking of better ways to do things. Think revolutionary as well as evolutionary.
What is the value of peer-to-peer learning opportunities?
I learned about mastermind groups when I was 21 listening to Earl Nightingale and reading the works of Napoleon Hill. I’m part of three different mastermind groups so I believe in their value. It gives us all an opportunity to share ideas and learn different perspectives, and the ability to learn from others’ successes and failures.
What’s the best piece of advice you could give to other operators right now?
From the recovery perspective, keep searching for ways to get through it and keep your mind focused on the opportunities, not the problems. Face the problems but from a position of how we get through it.
Stay close to your staff. Use their energy and passion to help fuel your own, but have plenty inside of you to give back to them. Meet with the regularly. Take them to lunch and share thoughts.
Focus on winning, always.
For more information on joining a peer-to-peer Club Solutions Mastermind Group, visit clubsolutionsmgx.com or email rachel@peakemedia.com.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
