Building a High-Performance Club Team: How to Recruit, Train, and Retain Top Talent

A private club is only as strong as the team that powers it. From front-line staff to leadership roles, the people behind the scenes determine the quality of service, member satisfaction, and overall club success. Recruiting, training, and retaining top hospitality professionals requires a thoughtful approach—one that fosters engagement, excellence, and long-term commitment. Here’s how clubs can build and sustain a high-performance team.

Recruiting the Right Talent

Finding the right candidates goes beyond reviewing resumes; it requires a strategic approach to attract professionals who align with the club’s culture and values. Clubs should develop clear job descriptions that highlight not just responsibilities but also expectations for service, teamwork, and leadership. Leveraging industry networks, hospitality schools, and referral programs can help source qualified talent. More importantly, clubs must focus on hiring for attitude and cultural fit rather than just experience—skills can be trained, but passion and service mentality are harder to instill.

Partnering with a firm like TJGallant LLC can also help clubs fill key positions with high-quality candidates. Industry experts can streamline the hiring process by identifying top-tier talent, ensuring that new hires align with the club’s service philosophy and long-term goals. By leveraging professional recruitment services, clubs can reduce turnover and build a more engaged and dedicated team.

Creating a Comprehensive Training Program

Once the right team members are in place, a structured and ongoing training program ensures they deliver excellence consistently. Training should go beyond technical skills and include service philosophy, emotional intelligence, and leadership development. Clubs should implement hands-on training sessions, role-playing exercises, and mentorship programs that connect new hires with seasoned employees. Continuous education opportunities, including certifications and workshops, also help elevate the skill set of the entire team.

Partnering with TJGallant LLC for training solutions can further enhance staff performance. By providing tailored training programs that focus on real-world application, service excellence, and leadership development, TJGallant ensures that club staff are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to excel. From front-of-house service techniques to high-level management coaching, investing in professional training programs fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Fostering a Culture of Excellence

A high-performing club team thrives in an environment that values teamwork, communication, and accountability. Leadership must set the tone by recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance while fostering a sense of camaraderie. Creating clear performance expectations and providing regular feedback ensures that employees feel supported and understand their role in delivering a superior member experience.

Retaining Top Talent Through Engagement and Growth

The hospitality industry is known for high turnover, but private clubs that invest in their employees see greater retention. Competitive compensation, benefits, and work-life balance initiatives help retain top talent, but engagement is just as critical. Employees who feel valued and have a clear path for growth are more likely to stay. Clubs should prioritize career advancement opportunities, internal promotions, and leadership training to keep top performers motivated and invested in their roles.

Final Thoughts

Building a high-performance club team takes time and commitment, but the results are well worth the effort. By focusing on smart recruitment, comprehensive training, a culture of excellence, and strong retention strategies, clubs can develop a team that not only meets but exceeds member expectations. The key is investing in people—because when employees thrive, so does the club.