Middle Management

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

Through Bay Head Yacht Club’s engagement with the NJCMA student chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Club has had a successful internship program over the last five years. With that success, the Club wanted to take another step in fostering the next generation of club leaders. By establishing an open and welcoming environment, we have had great success putting young professionals in positions to run areas and take full ownership of the operations of that space.

Each of the young professionals that the Club considers Middle Management is placed into a mentor and mentee role that suit their interests. Through the year, they can slowly take on more responsibilities under the guidance of their mentor, while simultaneously acting as a mentor to a peer, helping that individual expand their role as well. This leads to seasoned professionals that the club shapes over time.

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

BHYC programs have been enhanced by having Middle Mentors involved. The membership loves seeing the professional progression happening here at the Club. It allows members to build longer-lasting relationships with the staff and management while allowing the staff to truly get to know each member. New ideas are consistently brought forth by the younger generation, as well as better ways to look at an idea that has worked in the past. Their excitement when their idea gets implemented adds another layer of ownership and responsibility that helps make our operation successful.

At BHYC, Middle Mentor positions are available in Events, Junior Programming, F&B, Racquets, and Sailing. With the success of our internship program, it was a natural progression to have several Middle Mentor employees who are the next generation of club leaders operating here at BHYC. Over the years, our services have expanded, and with expanded services, there is a need for added ownership of all these areas. It has allowed us the perfect opportunity to execute this program and help our young professionals develop further.