Executive Sessions: Board Intrigue or Good Governance?
Let’s go to executive session.” These are words seldom heard in club boardrooms. Most club boards don’t know how to use executive sessions effectively and most general managers are suspicious of their purpose. What exactly are executive sessions? Why are they used? Why are they
Transparency at the Club: The Clear Way to Strengthen Leadership
While private clubs represent an industry steeped in tradition, there have been a lot of changes over the past three decades. People often argue passionately about whether or not the direction in which their club is moving is the right one. This is to be
What is the ideal size for a club board?
Q: What is the ideal size for a club board? A: Many clubs are saddled with overly large boards, as those tend to be the standard of the day when their by-laws were written many years ago. Too many governors, which we’ll describe as anything more
Opinions in the Board Room: Using a Fact-Based Approach to Governance
Recently, I attended a local chapter meeting of the National Capital Club Managers Association and heard a presentation by Ray Cronin of Club Benchmarking on fact-based governance. One of his premises is that opinions do not belong in the boardroom. The directors have a responsibility
On Course: How a GM and Board Find Equilibrium
The relationship between a club’s general manager and board members is one of the most critical partnerships to the club’s success. The general manager is charged with the day-to-day conduct of the club’s operations and supervises and directs all activities and affairs. The board is
The Board Policy Manual: Successful Governance Policies
The Desert Highlands Association has been fortunate to experience successful governance practices over many years. In my role as COO, it has been important for me and our board members to seek out and encourage club members with vision and wisdom to serve on committees,
The Board and CEO Partnership: Keys to Success
Editor’s note: This article is based on the program, “The Board-CEO Partnership,” presented at the National Club Conference in April. In today’s environment, effective oversight and direction are as important for private clubs as they are for businesses in the corporate world. Often, there are
How to Reduce Board-Management Conflict: By the Numbers
Number: 70% – The percentage of club industry experts who see a continued problem with excessive board involvement in a club’s daily affairs (“micro-management”). In order for club operations to run smoothly and for members to make the most of their club experience, it’s crucial
How Do You Say “No” in the Boardroom?
How Do You Say “No” in the Boardroom? As servant leaders in the hospitality industry, general managers are programmed to please both members and their guests. The DNA of the best hospitality executives contains this trait. Jeff McFadden, COO/GM of The Union League of Philadelphia,