GGA Director Colin Burns, CCM, brings his print ad to life in a new video highlighting his beliefs about the role of an executive search consultant.
Tag: club leadership
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Lesson 2
GGA Director Colin Burns, CCM, shares his Winged Foot Golf Club lessons learned about the member experience.
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Lesson 1
Managing a private club is not an easy task. It requires knowledge, stamina, fortitude, patience and a sense of humor. With each new year comes new challenges, opportunities and lessons to learn.
When GGA Director Colin Burns, CCM, joined the firm, he shared the lessons he learned over a lifetime in the hospitality industry, as an advocate for club management and his three decades as the general manager of Winged Foot Golf Club with our team. In hearing those lessons, we were reminded how success comes from doing the right thing every day.
We asked Colin to record his common sense and professional advise for us to share with you. Today we present the first of Colin’s 31 Years | 31 Lessons videos. We will be releasing all 31 on our LinkedIn page over the next several months in the hope you find these lessons helpful as you navigate your own path to success as a leader in our industry.
GGA Partners Expands Executive Search and Strategy Consulting Team, Appoints Dee Anna Clarke, Director
Dee Anna Clarke brings fast-growing firm over 20 years’ experience in financial management, strategy and organizational leadership across club and financial service industries.
December 15, 2022 – GGA Partners, an international consulting firm working with some of world’s leading golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities, announced today the appointment of Dee Anna Clarke as Director.
“We are pleased to welcome Dee Anna Clarke to GGA Partners’,” says Partner, Patrick DeLozier. “In addition to her deep knowledge of the private club industry, she brings extensive experience in accounting, forecasting, risk management, human resources, and financial planning. With Clarke’s unique expertise, our Executive Search practice will benefit tremendously.”
Previously, Clarke spent three years as the Chief Business Officer and Vice President of Strategic Projects of SCMG, a leading provider of aquatic related services in the southeast United States. In this role, she provided strategic direction and leadership for the corporate team and enhanced the client service experience. Clarke also held the position of Chief Financial Officer for over six years with Charlotte Country Club, where she found her passion in hospitality. During this time, she also served on the board of the Carolinas Club Foundation, supporting the Carolinas Chapter of Club Management Association of America.
“I am looking forward to supporting the continued growth of GGA Partners. The firm is full of creative and talented individuals that are always looking for new ways to grow, innovate and develop. There is an incredible opportunity to deepen our client relationships through a powerful combination of our unique talent strategies as well as our unparalleled experience and expertise working with private club leaders,” noted Clarke.
“Dee Anna’s financial acumen, private club experience, and problem-solving skills will also deepen the strategy and operations consulting team at GGA. Her ability to align club vision and strategy with human resource requirements will be of great value to GGA clients” says Partner, Michael Gregory.
About GGA Partners (www.ggapartners.com)
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success.
GGA Partners has offices in Toronto, Canada; Phoenix, Bluffton/Hilton Head, USA, and Dublin, Ireland.
For further information, contact:
Samar Abdourahman
GGA Partners
t: 416-333-5008
e: samar.abdourahman@ggapartners.com
3 Reminders for Every Leader
Now, More Than Ever
Three reminders for every leader, every day – from a coaching perspective
Over the past 18 months after speaking with managers and their teams, I have found myself frequently saying “Now More Than Ever”. I rarely leave a coaching session or conversation without being reminded that there are some principles of leadership that can’t been forgotten or taken for granted, especially now.
Sometimes managers think they are displaying these “leadership musts” more than they really are. The truth is that managers are tired, their teams feel exhausted and overworked, and the challenges keep arriving.
In the midst of fighting the fires of urgencies like the labor shortage and the pandemic’s next crisis, it is so important to remember to lead. That’s the secret – to remember that along with managing the business, they have the opportunity to make a huge impact on their most valuable resource, their people. The challenge is on to find good people to fill the available positions. Even more important is creating the culture to retain them. Here are three simple, yet powerful reminders for everyday leadership.
LEADERS ARE ALWAYS AFFECTING CULTURE
When it comes to your people, everything matters. Managers often underestimate the importance of their presence. As they tackle the big picture issues, it is easy to leave it up to supervisors to keep teams engaged and deliver the best member experience possible. While managers surely have a lot on their plates right now, it is crucial and critical to stay connected with every employee at every level. Model what you want to see. Your visibility is surely important to your members. It’s even more important to your staff members. As the late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar often said:
“People don’t care how much you know,
until they know how much you care – about them.”
Years ago a Sous Chef proudly showed me a thank you note he received from his GM. It was a simple hand written note on a white piece of paper. He carried it with him every day in his wallet for over 10 years and I bet he still has it.
Connect with as many staff and managers as possible every day. Call them. Text them. Stop for a few minutes and talk with them. Ask them how they are doing, how their family is doing, what they need to do their job more effectively, and thank them genuinely for specific contributions they are making. Giving bonuses, gift cards and extras can be meaningful. However, nothing replaces a sincere thank you on a regular basis. Nothing. Keep connecting. Keep acknowledging. Keep encouraging.
SET PEOPLE UP FOR SUCCESS
Are you an Employer of Choice? The labor shortage has brought a new set of challenges – finding qualified people. The selection process is important, yet even more critical is retention. Here are some insights about how you can keep these new valuable recruits as well as your current invaluable team members:
- Revisit your onboarding process to determine if it is working. Does each new team member get what they need. Do they feel welcome and part of a team, or do they just receive the basics and head out onto the floor? Get as many team members involved as possible during this most important phase.
- Make sure the General Manager is part of the orientation process. As the GM, be sure to welcome every single new hire, get to know them, and then challenge them to add value that will make your club better. If you give employees something to live up to, they can make a difference.
- Every manager and supervisor should keep asking – Does everyone have the tools they need to do their job? Do they have the daily information and updates they need? Are they trained properly? Do they know how to answer the latest pandemic questions and club policies? When staff aren’t equipped for success, they will surely get frustrated and leave. They may say they are leaving because of the money. They aren’t.
ASK QUESTIONS VERSUS GIVING ANSWERS
Most managers are in their role because of their technical competence and proficient operational skills. The tendency when engaging with staff is to give all of the answers. There is certainly a time and place for telling people what to do, however, leading others and engaging your team is the perfect opportunity not to give all of the answers. Every manager I have spoken with during the pandemic has said that one of the big lessons they have learned is that we don’t always have all of the answers. Exactly. So let’s apply that to our teams.
Dr. Peter Hawkins, author and Professor of Leadership at the Henley Business School, states that “The 21st century leader realizes that they can’t solve problems on their own, and they need the skills to orchestrate the team to come up with the best answers.” Most team members are engaged in the culture when they can contribute, learn, and grow. They want to give their ideas and be a part of the solution.
Before you give the answers, think about what powerful questions you can ask to engage your team, then watch what happens.
Now more than ever is the time to lead.
Shelley MacDougall is a Director, Leadership Development at GGA Partners specializing in leadership coaching and training. She is passionate about developing leaders who want to make meaningful change where it counts: within themselves, with their teams, and in their organizations. To view Shelley’s profile, click here.
GGA Partners Expands Executive Search Practice, Appoints Shelley MacDougall, Director, Leadership Development
Shelley MacDougall brings fast-growing firm over 30 years’ experience in executive coaching, corporate training, and leadership development across private club and hospitality industries.
September 9, 2021 – GGA Partners announced today the appointment of Shelley MacDougall as Director, Leadership Development to lead executive coaching, leadership development and employee training services under the Executive Search practice.
“Our team at GGA Partners are passionate about helping our clients succeed – and we look for leaders who share our vision. At a time when employee engagement is incredibly vital, organizations need heightened understanding of effective retention strategies and training solutions. That’s why this expansion will allow us to better help clients align their business and talent strategies. We are excited to welcome Shelley to GGA Partners’ growing Executive Search practice,” said Managing Director, Patrick DeLozier.
Before pursuing a career in leadership development and coaching in 2006, MacDougall held senior positions with Marriott International and The Glencoe Club, one of North America’s leading private sports and social clubs. Shelley regularly coaches and presents at Club Management Association of America’s (CMAA) World Conference, Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) National and Regional Conferences, as well at numerous affiliated associations, clubs, and organizations.
“Joining the GGA Partners team provides an exciting opportunity for me to bring my experience to an organization that lives its values – professionalism, trust, and confidentiality,” said Shelley. “The talented professionals at GGA Partners are deeply committed to helping clients achieve their goals and I look forward to tailoring our services to meet their unique needs.”
Shelley serves as a CMAA Career Services Coach, and is co-founder and facilitator of The Extraordinary Leader Program – a group coaching program designed specifically for the private club industry. As an accredited coach and member of the International Coach Federation, Shelley coaches and develops CMAA, CSCM and club industry professionals to reach new heights in their careers.
Media Contacts:
Samar Abdourahman
GGA Partners
t: 416-333-5008
e: samar.abdourahman@ggapartners.com
GGA Partners and USGA to Collaborate on Golf Course Superintendent Executive Search and Placement Services
New offering combines organizations’ expertise to improve golf facilities’ ability to deliver better playing conditions and enhanced golfer experience
BLUFFTON, S.C., and LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (April 14, 2021) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) will join with GGA Partners (GGA), an international consulting firm, to launch a new service to place top-notch golf course superintendent candidates at facilities across North America.
As part of its suite of advisory services, GGA has long provided executive search services for facility clients. The collaboration will expand the company’s offerings, with the USGA Green Section’s agronomic and maintenance expertise serving as key factors in targeting the unique needs of each golf course and identifying superintendents with matching skills who can help facilities elevate playing conditions, improve course presentation and foster sustainable practices.
“For any golf facility, the ability to hire the right talent is crucial for long-term success, and we believe in creating and maintaining partnerships with facilities,” said Patrick DeLozier, GGA’s managing director of executive search. “The stakes are higher than ever for facilities looking to hire superintendents, and they are looking for candidates with a wide variety of skills.”
Added Craig Johnston, a GGA partner: “The ability to complement our services in strategy, facility governance, finance and operations with the USGA’s agronomic strength will ensure that we can continue to support our clients with the gold standard in best practices, education, innovative products and research.”
The collaboration will allow the USGA to expand its reach and enhance its ability to inform best management practices for golf course maintenance, including resource prioritization. As part of its mission to champion and advance the game, the USGA is helping to ensure a sustainable game in which course managers are empowered to create a positive experience for their golfers.
“GGA’s values and business areas are strategically aligned with our mission,” said Matt Pringle, managing director of the USGA Green Section. “With this new joint service, we can find the best match between the needs of the golf course and the skill set of their next superintendent, while providing ongoing support to deliver outstanding playing conditions and improved golfer satisfaction.”
The joint service will utilize the USGA’s nationwide network of agronomists, whose extensive knowledge of the facilities and superintendents in their regions will be pivotal to the program’s success. They will work closely with DeLozier, who heads up the firm’s executive search practice.
To learn more, contact Patrick DeLozier at patrick.delozier@ggapartners.com or Elliott Dowling at edowling@usga.org.
About the USGA
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Associations, Research and Test center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.
About GGA Partners
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives, and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. GGA Partners has offices in Toronto, Ontario, Phoenix, Arizona, Bluffton, South Carolina, and Dublin, Ireland. For more information, please visit ggapartners.com.
GGA Partners Speakers Featured at CMAA 2021 World Conference and Club Business Expo
Sessions will focus on strategy, member feedback mechanisms, the next generation of club members, club trends, and member communications.
TORONTO, Ontario – Skilled specialists from GGA Partners, a trusted advisor to golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities around the world, will be presenting trends and tactics on a variety of subjects during the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) 2021 World Conference and Club Business Expo this week.
As with other major conferences in 2020 and 2021, the CMAA World Conference will be virtual, allowing attendees to login and learn effective ways to manage member feedback, attract the next generation of members, the latest industry trends, and how to effectively communicate their brand message.
GGA Partners specialists will lead the following discussions:
Monday, March 8 – Ask the Experts
Michael Gregory, a partner in the firm will join Trevor Coughlan from Jonas Software for a thirty-minute “Ask the Expert” session to discuss club feedback systems for members and customers.
Tuesday, March 9 – Setting Strategy for Long-Term Success
Partners Henry DeLozier, Stephen Johnston, Derek Johnston, Michael Gregory and Craig Johnston will be joined by several directors and managers to lead a three-hour session using real-life case studies allowing managers to interact and learn from each other with the GGA team providing ideas and solutions to enhance processes, research, and efficiency.
Thursday, March 11 – Adopting Proven Methods of Engaging the Next Generation of Club Members
Michael Gregory will lead a panel of club managers from Desert Mountain, Prairie Dunes Country Club, The Briar Club, and The Country Club through a discussion of their perspectives on how clubs can adapt and develop their offerings to meet the needs of the next generation of members and customers.
Thursday, March 11 – Ask the Experts
GGA Manager Bennett DeLozier will join Amilcar Davy from CMAA to discuss early results from the CMAA Trends Survey entitled A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges.
Friday, March 12 – Keys to Effective Communications
GGA Director Linda Dillenbeck and Manager Bennett DeLozier will share insights into the steps club managers can take to ensure their communications are clear, concise, and effective.
“Our business is helping clubs, large and small, to operate more effectively,” commented Derek Johnston, a partner in the firm. “The CMAA World Conference provides an outstanding platform to share knowledge and experiences with club leaders from around the globe.”
About GGA Partners
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives, and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information, please visit ggapartners.com.
Media Contact:
Bennett DeLozier, Manager
GGA Partners
bennett.delozier@ggapartners.com
602-614-2100
The Three Keys to Effective Governance
Governance in private clubs can too often resemble what is seen on the evening news: factions, resentment, distrust, skepticism, cynicism. In troubled times, sound governance is essential.
In our continuing Whitepaper Series, Senior Partner Henry DeLozier highlights the three keys to effective governance and proactive steps leaders can take to address and improve it at their club.
Read our Governance Whitepaper
Connect with GGA Partners at the #CMAAVirtual Conference
Connect with GGA Partners at the 2021 #CMAAVirtual World Conference & Club Business Expo
March 8-12, 2021
The 2021 CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo offers five days of stellar educational programming and the opportunity for those in club management to refresh their skills and industry knowledge, connect with fellow professionals, and explore the latest innovations and best practices.
Each year, we at GGA Partners look forward to syncing up with club managers to celebrate their successes, learn more about the challenges they are facing, and help them develop and implement a game plan for success.
As a long-standing CMAA Business Partner, we jump on every opportunity to facilitate education sessions which bring club managers together for knowledge-sharing and thought-leadership. In the hope that our paths will cross, you are invited to register for any or all of GGA’s education sessions, engagements, and activities.
Otherwise, swing by our virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line. Let’s have a conversation about what you and your club are working on in 2021, we are always willing to assist club managers.
Monday, March 8
Networking Break: Ask the Expert – Feedback Systems
1:30pm-2:00pm EST
Join Trevor Coughlan from Jonas Software and Michael Gregory of GGA Partners to ask questions and discuss club feedback systems for members and customers.
Tuesday, March 9
In-Conference Workshop: Setting Strategy for Long-term Success
11:00am-2:00pm EST
*Requires separate registration
Strategic planning is on everyone’s mind these days. One of the most frequent questions about strategy seems to be “Given the current environment, how do we actually set strategy for long-term success and sustainability?” and followed closely by “How do we implement a strategic plan in our club?”
This three-hour session is a hands-on approach using real-life case studies, allowing managers to interact and learn from each other, with the GGA team providing ideas and solutions. The session will leverage GGA’s processes, research, and experience and provide engaging opportunities for delegates to contribute.
During the first half of the session, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the GGA team and subject matter experts in strategic planning, governance, communications, member feedback, market research, financial planning, and analysis.
During the second half of the session, participants will be separated into smaller virtual breakout rooms with fellow club managers. In these virtual rooms, participants will have the opportunity to share their initial thoughts about the case and discuss solutions with their peers. The breakout rooms will subsequently rejoin to form one large group, at which point participants will be asked to respond to questions about the case using real-time polling software. Responses to the poll are individual and anonymous. This dynamic session will allow participants to see how their responses compare to their peers and hear from GGA how their answers may differ from industry best practices.
The session will conclude with the case solutions being shared with participants. By the end of the session, participants will achieve a better understanding of the importance of strategic planning for private clubs, proven processes for setting long-term successful and sustainable strategies, how strategic plans are implemented and become advocates for strategic planning at their respective clubs.
Join the GGA team: Henry DeLozier (Partner), Stephen Johnston (Partner), Derek Johnston (Partner), Michael Gregory (Partner), Craig Johnston (Partner), Fred Laughlin (Director), Eric Brey (Director), Linda Dillenbeck (Director), Bennett DeLozier (Manager), and Ben Hopkinson (Manager).
Wednesday, March 10
Club Business Expo
12:30pm-1:30pm EST
Swing by the GGA Partners virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line.
Thursday, March 11
Adopting Proven Methods of Engaging the Next Generation of Club Members
10:30am-11:30am EST
Research findings highlight how clubs can adapt and develop their offerings to meet the needs of the next generation of members and customers. Hear from four managers whose clubs are quite different, and whose perspectives represent the next generation of club managers. The panel discussion will provide valuable insights about Millennials, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for clubs to be more relevant to the next generation of club members in their membership structure and pricing, offerings, and experiences provided.
Join Michael Gregory (Partner, GGA Partners), Jay Johnson (GM/COO, Prairie Dunes Country Club), Daniel Moreno (The Briar Club), Kristen LaCount (GM, The Country Club), and Passion Graham (Clubhouse Manager, Desert Mountain Club).
Networking Break: Ask the Expert – Club Trends
1:30pm-2:00pm EST
Join Bennett DeLozier from GGA Partners, and Amilcar Davy from CMAA, to discuss early results from the CMAA Trends Survey entitled A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges.
Club Business Expo
3:30pm-4:30pm EST
Swing by the GGA Partners virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line.
Friday, March 12
The Keys to Effective Communications
12:30pm-1:30pm EST
Join Linda Dillenbeck (Director, GGA Partners) and Bennett DeLozier (Manager, GGA Partners) for insights into the steps club managers can take to ensure their communications are clear, concise, and effective. In this session, we’ll discuss how clubs can forge stronger bonds with members, and successfully engage prospective members in the wake of these fundamental shifts in perceived value.
About GGA Partners
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives, and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information, please visit ggapartners.com.
