Why Regular Check-Ins with Management Should Be an Essential Practice for Clubs

While the board is primarily responsible for the overall proper governance and strategic direction of the club, it is still recommended that directors and the club’s manager either have regular catch-ups or formulate any operational matters as a standing board agenda item.

These check-ins or updates are most beneficial in ensuring directors are well-informed on any issues they should be aware of as directors of a club. Here are five reasons why:

1. Manager Update

Regular check-ins with club management provide directors an opportunity to be informed about any concerns the club manager may have and to discuss how these troubles can be properly addressed and resolved. The discussions will be a suitable mechanism for directors to identify and mitigate any potential risks within the club. These meetings will also give the directors an opportunity to assess how the manager is going and whether there is any further support or direction which can be offered. 

2. Contribution

In most cases, board members have professional careers and experience of their own, separate from their involvement in the club. Directors often have professional or experience-based expertise and knowledge which can be passed onto club management to assist and guide any operational matters of concern — club management are encouraged to tap into this pool of knowledge.

3. Employee Satisfaction and Retention

A satisfied staff member is more likely to provide exceptional service to club members. Regular check-ins allow directors to gauge employee satisfaction. They can address concerns and help generate ideas with the club manager on how best to create a positive work environment that fosters staff retention at the club. It goes without saying that staff who enjoy their role and work environment are more likely to stay with the club, this in turn reduces turnover costs and maintaining consistency in service quality.

4. Member Feedback

Directors can use these meetings to gather feedback from the management team about what members are saying. This feedback loop helps ensure that the club is responsive to member needs and concerns. 

5. Enhancing Communication

Effective communication is the key to a well-functioning organisation. Regular meetings with management promote open and transparent communication channels. This fosters a sense of unity within the club and ensures that everyone is aligned with the club's goals and objectives.

Ultimately, regular catch-ups between club directors and management play a pivotal role in maintaining a smoothly run club and addressing any concerns a club manager may have. Directors are encouraged to arrange these meetings with management and set them up in their calendars on a recurring basis or as a standing board agenda item to ensure appropriate transparency between the board and club management.