Articles
Centralized vs Decentralized… “Formula vs Free Style” Management, Fitness and Operations
Whether we are discussing General Management, Group Fitness, Fitness, Sales or Operations, the industry is constantly faced with the merits of “Centralized” versus “Decentralized” or “Formula” versus “Free Style.” These concepts apply to one club or 500 clubs. There is always dynamic tension between “control” versus “trust/faith.” I’ve highlighted some club scenarios where this dynamic tension shows up for us on a daily basis. My assertion is control your design and hiring, trust your team, have faith in their abilities, but inspect what you expect and give them the strategy and tools to deliver your optimal member experience through proper strategic design.
Bill McBride is a health club industry veteran. He has worked in all aspects of sales, marketing, leadership, management, member experience and operations. He currently serves as the Co-Founder, President & CEO of Active Sports Clubs/Active Wellness. He also is the Founder, President & CEO of BMC3. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for IHRSA and MACMA (Mid-Atlantic Club Management Association), been a Board Member on ACE’s Industry Advisory Panel, Club Business Pro’s Advisory Panel, The Wellness Health Education Advisory Board and was a contributing faculty member of Club Success Magazine.