Lead On!

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

The private Club industry is thriving, and due to significant growth since the pandemic, new roles and leadership opportunities have followed. But who is filling these big shoes? The need to prepare today’s teammates for big challenges calls for specific training geared for tomorrow’s leaders.  With a vision to be the finest private club and community for golf and recreational lifestyle activities in North America, Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, AZ recognized with the right structure, essential leadership skills can be introduced to qualified new teammates right from the start.

Enhancing our Club’s operation starts from within, and building a strong bench of tomorrow’s leaders not only prepares us for the future, but motivates our team every day. By demonstrating our commitment to development and growth,  our core values become more than words on the wall.

The Leader In Training program exemplifies our core values in action, which include integrity, teamwork, care, wellbeing, thrive, creativity and inspire. When employees feel and experience the authenticity of these core values, Members notice and the operation is enhanced.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our Leader-In-Training program benefits the teammate with real-world experience. Upon successful completion, the teammate can elevate to a new role with supervisory responsibilities. Members love the Club’s commitment to growing our people because it’s the right thing to do, as it directly impacts their experience. 

• Expansion of DM’s CMAA Verified Internship Program, providing a secondary year-long opportunity to build leadership skills with our team
• Desert Mountain “bootcamp” – line level rotations throughout the Club
• Supervisory rotations
• CliftonStrengths assessment and mentorship program tied to key strengths
• Participation in weekly leadership training and rotation with Senior Leadership Team
• Manage a project to impact change in the operation
• Attend Leadership Meetings
• Participate in CMAA chapter events and benchmarking opportunities