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
A Club Director article, “How to Challenge Legislation in Your State,” summarized six critical elements to produce an effective political campaign against a proposed golf tax in California: (1) a strong, proactive lobby presence in the state capital; (2) a professional public relations firm; (3) a
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? 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,
I heard that the club’s tax-exemption is at risk because it permits nonmember events (such as a wedding or golf outing) to be held at the club. Why didn’t your firm tell us? The club’s tax-exemption is not at risk provided that the club acted
Q: How do you optimize your management team? What are the most critical components of an effective management team? A: Many managers spend a significant amount of time doing the wrong things very well or the right things very poorly. The responsibilities and goals of a private
One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We in private clubs are far more susceptible to this because of a tendency to keep with the traditions of the past rather than trying to innovate and anticipate
Successful private club governance is not something that occurs once a month, or however may times a club board meets annually. Rather, it’s constant, ongoing and integrated into every day club operations. Good governance starts with a sound strategic plan. Like good governance overall, strategic
“If I, taking care of everyone’s interests, also take care of my own, you can’t talk about a conflict of interest” – Silvio Berlusconi. While it might seem somewhat counterintuitive to open a discussion on conflicts of interest with a quotation from the famous, or perhaps infamous, former Italian Prime Minister, the thoughts embodied in
Q: How much of the board’s work should be shared with the membership? A: In an era of transparency, the question of how much of the board’s work should be shared with the membership becomes increasingly important. The board must carefully weigh the quest for transparency, the need for confidentiality and