Summer is here, and for many clubs, that means one thing: fresh faces.
Dining rooms are full. Pools are buzzing. Golf courses are packed. Behind the scenes, managers are welcoming dozens of seasonal employees, many of whom are stepping into their very first job.
As club leaders, we often focus on teaching the technical skills needed to succeed. How to serve a table. How to answer the phone. How to set a banquet room. How to deliver exceptional service.
Those skills matter. But the opportunity in front of us is much bigger. For many young employees, we are teaching them how to have a job.
More Than Job Skills
A first job is often where young people learn some of life's most important professional lessons.
These may seem like basic expectations, but they are learned behaviors. Many young employees have never been taught these skills in a structured environment. As a Manager we have a unique opportunity to help shape habits that will serve them for the rest of their careers.
The lessons they learn this summer may follow them long after they leave our organization.
The Challenges Are Real
Managing younger employees can be challenging. Many are balancing school, sports, family commitments, and social lives. Some are entering the workforce with limited experience navigating professional expectations. Others may communicate differently than previous generations or require more frequent coaching and feedback.
It can be tempting to focus on the frustration these challenges create. Instead, I encourage leaders to focus on the opportunity.
Every question is a chance to teach.
Every mistake is a chance to coach.
Every success is a chance to build confidence.
The patience and guidance we invest today often produce remarkable growth over the course of a season.
The Rewards Are Even Greater
One of my favorite parts of club leadership has always been nurturing and developing young people. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a shy host become a confident communicator. Seeing a seasonal server grow into a department leader. Hearing from a former employee years later who still remembers a lesson they learned at the club.
Those moments remind us that our impact extends far beyond daily operations. We are helping develop future hospitality professionals, future business leaders, and future community leaders.
Some will remain in our industry. Others will pursue entirely different careers. Regardless of where they go, the standards, work ethic, and professionalism they learn at our clubs will travel with them.
Creating Exceptional Employees
Exceptional employees are not born. They are developed through consistent expectations, meaningful coaching, and leaders who care enough to invest in their growth.
As we move through the busy season, let's challenge ourselves to see seasonal employees as more than extra hands during a demanding time of year. They are future professionals looking for guidance, whether they realize it or not.
The service they provide this summer matters. The lessons they carry with them afterward may matter even more.
At RCS, we believe one of the greatest investments a club can make is in its people. When we take the time to uplift the next generation, we strengthen our teams, our clubs, and the future of our industry.
Closing Call to Action
If your club is preparing seasonal staff for a successful summer, RCSUniversity offers training designed specifically for private club teams and leaders. We would be honored to learn about your club's goals and explore how we can support your training initiatives.
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About the Author: MacKenzie Triana, CCM
With over two decades of comprehensive experience across multiple facets of the hospitality industry, MacKenzie brings a proven track record of leadership and innovation. Her expertise spans food and beverage operations, general club management, financial analysis, and optimizing systems and processes through technology.
As a Certified Club Manager (CCM), MacKenzie’s skill set includes procurement, event management, capital project oversight, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, MacKenzie has excelled in fostering cross-functional collaboration and uniting diverse teams to achieve shared goals. Her leadership is defined by a balance of strategic vision and hands-on operational excellence, cultivating positive cultures rooted in integrity, service, and innovation. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders, MacKenzie is committed to upholding industry traditions while embracing technology and innovation to drive the field forward. Known for her ability to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for children, families, and professionals alike, she thrives on connecting with individuals from all walks of life. She is dedicated to service excellence and continuous improvement for her team, clients, and the broader hospitality community.