The Final Stretch! Turn Season-End Burnout into a Strong Finish

For many in the private club industry, the end of summer is anything but calm. It tends to be a perfect storm of member events, last-minute requests, and staffing changes. Seasonal employees head back to school, full-time staff are running on fumes, and those who remain are working harder than ever. It’s easy for teams to slip into a “just get through it” mindset—but this final stretch can be one of the most rewarding times of the year if approached with purpose. How can you and your team cross the finish line feeling accomplished, not depleted?

For ideas, this month I consulted with some powerful experts. Shout out to the women from our August Women in Club Management call who offered their ideas. Along with a coach’s perspective, here are 10 thoughts for keeping yourself—and your team—motivated, focused, and even inspired right through to the season’s end.

1. Reframe the Journey and the Finish Line for YOU

   When I turned 40, I ran a marathon. During my training I was bombarded with advice from those who had gone before me. I was told that somewhere around mile 18-20 every runner hits “the wall” and, just like it sounds, it can feel like the end. Done. Finito. No Energy. And a struggle to finish. The seasoned veterans warned me about this inevitability so many times that it made me wonder why I would even want to run this 26.2-mile endeavour. So, here’s what I did: I reframed it. I chose to believe that during mile 18-20 I would be full of energy. I never thought about the wall. I thought about the journey, my goal and what this adventure would make of me. The result: I remember passing through mile 21 and screaming out loud “There is no wall!” Reframing changes everything. That experience changed my life and my work.

   How could you reframe your perspective on this season and its completion?

   Reframe the Finish Line for Your Team

   When burnout hits, the brain tends to focus on what’s hard, heavy, and exhausting. As a leader, you can shift the narrative by reframing the final weeks as a celebration of accomplishments rather than an endurance test. What if this wasn’t about winning a battle or a war, and instead, it was an opportunity to enjoy and feel proud?

• • Highlight wins—Share specific successes from the season in team meetings. Have team members give their successes and those of their teammates and other departments.
  • Count down with purpose—Instead of “two more weeks,” try “two more weeks to make members’ final impressions great and have lots of fun in the process”. Make this a “get to” not a “have to”.
  • Connect to pride—Remind the team regularly of the role they’ve played in delivering memorable experiences.

2. Pace Like a Pro—It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

   At this stage, the goal is sustainable energy, not speed. Focus on prioritizing the essentials, delegating where possible, and cutting non-critical tasks. Show your team what pacing looks like by taking short breaks, managing your own workload, and encouraging them to do the same.
   
   

3. Take a Mini Self-Care Sabbatical

   You may not have the opportunity for a week away to recharge—but you do need intentional downtime. Schedule a few hours, even midweek, to completely disconnect from club demands. Whether it’s reading, walking, or a quiet coffee break with a friend, the goal is to reset your mind so you can lead with clarity. At work, find quiet spaces for team members to take a break. Jazz up your staff space with treats, fun décor, theme days, or a spa-like environment. Encourage mini breaks.
   
   

4. Disconnect Completely on Days Off

   Many leaders say they’re “off”, but they never are. Does your out-of-office message say you aren’t available, but you answer all your emails anyway, even after you have delegated it to someone else? This keeps you in constant work mode and prevents your team from building autonomy. Set clear expectations for your unavailability and trust your team to handle the day-to-day. Start small. Let them step up. They will.

   And if you are missing what happened while you are away, ensure there is an accurate daily manager’s log that you can read quickly and get back up to speed.
   
   

5. Make Recognition a Daily Habit

   When fatigue sets in, recognition is rocket fuel. It keeps morale high and reinforces the value each person brings. Make it frequent, sincere, and specific. Encourage team members to celebrate each other.

• • Shout-outs during daily huddles
  • Handwritten thank-you notes
  • Personal mentions in member newsletters or staff bulletins
  • Celebrate other department team members and wins
  • Team games during your staff BBQ along with fun prizes

6. Keep Building Culture with Honest Connections

   The busier it gets, the easier it is to focus solely on tasks. But taking a moment to ask, “How’s your day going? How are you really?” can make a big difference. Listen without rushing. A few minutes of genuine interest strengthens relationships and reminds the team they’re more than just cogs in the machine.

   Learn about a person’s “other” résumé—not just work but other hobbies, passions, and goals. Maybe they are interested in cross training in a different department, or they already have the skills to jump in. Be curious.
   
   

7. Maintain Team Meetings and Daily Huddles

   It’s tempting to skip meetings when things get hectic, but that’s when they matter most. Daily huddles keep everyone aligned, and weekly meetings give space for problem-solving. Even five minutes of shared focus reduces confusion and boosts confidence.

   Get your team involved in running your huddles. Include a fun element. Have some fun conversation starters, like favorite summer concert, food, etc. Get your team to try new food items, cocktails, etc.
   
   

8. Find the Fun—and Give Permission to Enjoy It

   Infuse moments of levity into the day:

   • Quick team challenges or trivia in pre-shift meetings
   • Fun theme days (hats, colors, socks)
   • Surprise treats or snacks
   • Music in the prep areas before service

   A little fun shifts the emotional tone, making the days feel lighter and more memorable.
   
   

9. Focus Forward While Wrapping Up the Present

   The end of the season is also the start of the next. Commit to having exit interviews with every team member. Invite the team to share what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d love to try next year. Capture these ideas now when the details are fresh, so improvements don’t get lost in the off-season. Recruit for next season or your holiday season now. Get commitments and team members recommendations for others who might want to join the team.
   
   

10. Model the Finish You Want to See

    If you’re visibly stressed, running ragged, and counting the days, your team will follow suit. If you’re calm, purposeful, and even a little energized, they’ll mirror that instead. It starts and ends with you! Always.

    The last weeks of the season are not just about survival—they’re a chance to leave a lasting impression on your members, your team, and yourself. Lead with intention, appreciation, and a little bit of joy. See what happens.

And reach out to your coaches for support at any time.