Episode 032

032 | Developing Executive Skills for Today’s Leaders

with guest Bill Langley

In this episode, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Bill Langley, the General Manager of The Club at Quail Ridge, to discuss Langley’s extensive career in the club management industry. Langley shares his journey, from opening and transitioning clubs to managing large-scale resort and development projects over the past 30 years. 

Langley emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and camaraderie within the club management community. He shares insights on effectively managing up (with the board), down (with department heads), and across (with other directors) to align the team and drive success.

The conversation also covers Langley’s strategies for engaging with golf course superintendents and committees, including the value of hands-on site visits and a calm, rational approach to navigating high-stress situations. Langley stresses the need for superintendents to develop strong presentation and communication skills to effectively advocate for their needs.

Throughout the discussion, Langley’s passion for the club management industry shines through, as he reflects on the unique opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth that the field provides. His advice to his younger self and others aspiring to leadership roles underscores the importance of maintaining composure, building connections, and embracing the dynamic nature of the business.

This episode offers valuable insights for club managers, superintendents, and anyone interested in the inner workings and camaraderie of the private club industry.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• How to attract young professionals: Engaging and retaining young professionals in the club industry is a challenge that requires initiatives like meet and greets, continuing education, work-life balance, stability, and benefits are important factors in attracting and retaining talent.
• General managers play a crucial role in managing up, down, and sideways, and effective communication is key.
• Member relations: Building relationships, remaining calm, listening intently during stressful situations, and networking with stakeholders is essential for success in the industry.
• The camaraderie and networking opportunities in the club industry are valuable and can lead to lifelong friendships.
• Superintendent Insights: Visibility and improving communication are key skills for superintendents to develop with stakeholders.

Soundbytes:

“Silence is a tactic.” (12:92 seconds)

“The first person that gets mad loses.” (14:01 seconds) 

“Don’t be a shrinking violet.” (27:08)

Key Quotes:

• “Our challenge is how do we get them in? How do we get them engaged and how do we keep them engaged?”
• “You’re never going to have to work an overnight shift here in the club industry. You’re not going to be at risk of getting transferred from one hotel to another.”
• “Your success in this industry doesn’t have to be a linear pathway.”

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Tyler Bloom’s LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn

Bill Langley’s LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn