Matthew Wright, a partner at The Fort Athletic Club, shares tips on how to lead your team through a busy season.
Mike Tyson said it best: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
For us, this is often our reality when it comes to the rush of the new year. Our clubs are flooded with new members. Our staff is called upon to step up their game. As leaders, we are tasked with being at our best. But how do we ensure we bring our best when things may seem most chaotic? The answers lie in the tips below:
1. Know your identity as a leader. When was the last time you wrote out what it means for you to be a leader? Now is the perfect time to take 10 minutes to put together a list of what makes you the leader you are. Are you a charismatic leader? Do you roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches? How do you get the best out of your team? This brief exercise allows you to reflect on and also put at the forefront of your thinking who you are as a leader so when times get busy, out of control or even rocky, you know who you need to be for yourself and for your team.
2. Take time for you. Our knee jerk reaction is to “grind harder” when in reality one of the best things we can do is slow things down in order to speed them up. Don’t hesitate to make time to get in your workout, take your lunch out of the club or to spend 10 minutes listening to your favorite podcast. This simple exercise is best as a daily practice. Not only will it help you, but it sets an example for your team and shows them self-care is something to value.
3. Lean into the leaders on your team. The team that surrounds you is your best asset when it comes to running a successful operation. Meet with them and discuss what they can expect with the change of season and coach them through situations that are likely to arise. Be transparent with past challenges and provide the tools for them to problem solve, be objective and to be the leaders they know they want to be.
