Many people in the industry who have been around the pool more than a few laps have developed strategies that are counter to many of their peers. The ideas are not necessarily revolutionary but challenge the status quo in order to better operational parameters. In looking at other industries, there are similar examples: in business books such as The One Minute Manager, Raving Fans, and High Five, Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles addressed a shift in working with and developing employees for a more productive workplace. The movie Moneyball showcased the Oakland A’s and a recruitment strategy based upon statistical data. The club signed players at a fraction of the cost of that of other professional teams by utilizing data on how players performed in various situations. The team was successful using this method, and other high-profile organizations have utilized a similar data approach with success. In aquatics, the concept I employ is a modified combination of the two. In order to have a stellar mid- level management team, I use a system that takes a numeric formulation to secure key employees; they must submit to this “Promoting by the Numbers” process every year.
“Promoting by the Numbers” forces applicants to compete each year for their position for 5 years in order to maintain or attain a senior guard position. This approach uses benchmarks (expectations) for staff members to remain with the department but doesn’t allow them to rest on their laurels.
First, it is important to understand the department operation. There is a fairly simple organizational staffing structure: one full-time senior supervisor, one full-time aquatic coordinator, six senior guards, and multiple lifeguards/swim instructors. For the swim instructors, there are two personnel divisions: those who receive internal training to teach, and those who receive internal training and formal American Red Cross (ARC)/Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification (the latter instructors are paid more). Senior guard is a general classification, basically in charge of program areas: opening the facility and lap swim and/or recreation swim and/or lesson program. Senior guards may wear one or more program hats, but are expected to develop their skills to be proficient in all programs.