Club Managers – How do you Balance Team Harmony and Club Productivity?

In the club industry, where service, atmosphere, and member experience are everything, club managers face the constant challenge of balancing two vital yet sometimes competing priorities: team harmony and productivity. A team that works well together creates a positive environment that radiates to members and guests, but without a focus on results and output, the club risks falling short of its strategic and financial goals. The art of leadership and management lies in ensuring that harmony fuels productivity, rather than becoming an excuse to avoid accountability.

Why Team Harmony Matters

Clubs are people-driven organisations. The member experience is shaped not only by amenities and services but also by the energy, friendliness, and professionalism of staff. When employees feel respected, supported, and connected to their colleagues, they are more likely to communicate effectively, collaborate willingly, and engage in problem-solving rather than conflict.

Team harmony builds trust, reduces turnover, and fosters an atmosphere that members can sense the moment they walk into the club. A united team delivers consistent service, recovers quickly from challenges, and supports one another in maintaining high standards of hospitality. Without harmony, even the most talented employees can undermine performance through tension, miscommunication, or disengagement.

Why Productivity Matters

While harmony creates the right environment, productivity ensures the club remains sustainable. Managers must meet financial targets, deliver efficient service, and maximise resources to keep the club profitable and competitive. Productivity in hospitality doesn’t just mean speed; it includes effectiveness, innovation, and the ability to do more with less. Clubs must balance staffing costs with service quality, maintain strong operational systems, and ensure that every shift runs smoothly.

High productivity allows clubs to reinvest in facilities, programs, and staff development—all of which further enhance the member experience. Without it, even the most harmonious team risks underperforming and putting the club’s long-term success at risk.

The Balancing Act

The tension arises when managers lean too far in either direction. Focusing exclusively on harmony can result in a culture of “being nice” at the expense of accountability, where underperformance is overlooked for fear of upsetting the team dynamic. On the other hand, focusing solely on productivity can create a high-pressure environment where staff feel undervalued and stressed, leading to burnout and turnover.

The best managers understand that harmony and productivity are not mutually exclusive—they are interdependent. Harmony provides the foundation for collaboration and motivation, while productivity gives purpose and direction to that energy.

Strategies for Club Managers

1. Set Clear Expectations

Employees need to understand both behavioural and performance standards. Harmony does not mean avoiding tough conversations; it means addressing issues constructively. Clear expectations ensure staff know that teamwork and results are equally important.

2. Foster Open Communication

Encourage feedback and provide safe spaces for staff to share ideas or concerns. Managers who listen and respond create trust, making it easier to resolve conflicts before they escalate.

3. Recognise and Reward Both Effort and Output

Acknowledge not only when staff achieve targets but also when they demonstrate teamwork, support colleagues, or contribute to a positive culture. This balance signals that both harmony and productivity are valued.

4. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Managers who demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, and social awareness are better able to read team dynamics and adjust their approach. Emotional intelligence is critical in knowing when to push for results and when to nurture the team.

5. Promote Shared Goals

Aligning the team around common objectives ensures that harmony and productivity work in tandem. When staff see how their collaboration contributes to tangible results, they are more motivated to deliver.

Conclusion

For club managers, balancing team harmony with productivity is not a one-time task but an ongoing leadership discipline. Harmony without productivity risks complacency, while productivity without harmony risks burnout. The true measure of effective management in clubs is creating a culture where people enjoy working together and are equally committed to achieving results. When managers strike this balance, the club thrives—staff are engaged, members are satisfied, and the organisation is positioned for long-term success.

To assist Club Managers develop and/or maintain their leadership and management skills, elevateB, in partnership with the CMAA, offers the following:-

• Club Managers Webinar series – fortnightly, one-hour webinars on salient topics to help club managers maintain currency and hone their skills. In keeping with this article, our next webinar is titled “Balancing Team Harmony and Club Productivity”. To register, go to https://www.elevateb.com.au/club-managers-webinar; and

• Club Managers Leadership and Management Program – a comprehensive online professional development program that delivers the full suite of skills, tools and techniques to successfully run a club. You can also tailor training for yourself or others by selecting specific modules from the program. For more information, go to https://www.elevateb.com.au/club-managers-leadership-management.