Servant Leadership in the Pool: Empowering Your Aquatics Team

As aquatic professionals, our role is more than just ensuring that pools are safe and programs are running smoothly. True leadership means empowering our teams to serve our communities with excellence, compassion, and innovation. In this inaugural edition of "The Deep End," I want to explore a leadership philosophy that has shaped my own professional journey and is especially relevant to our field: Servant Leadership.

Why Servant Leadership?

My academic background includes a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Quality, where I focused deeply on Servant Leadership. This approach, championed by thought leaders like Stephen Covey, emphasizes putting the needs of others first and helping people develop and perform at their highest potential. In aquatics, this philosophy is not just aspirational—it’s practical.

Stephen Covey and the Essence of Servant Leadership

Stephen Covey, best known for his influential book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," described Servant Leadership as the act of leading by serving others. Covey believed that the most effective leaders are those who work to meet the needs of their team members, helping them grow and succeed. Servant Leadership is rooted in trust, empathy, and a commitment to the growth of others.

Covey’s model asks us to shift our mindset from "How can my team serve me?" to "How can I serve my team?" This subtle change can make a world of difference—especially in aquatics, where teamwork, morale, and safety are paramount.

The Pool as a Platform for Servant Leadership

Aquatic centers are microcosms of the greater community. They’re filled with people from diverse backgrounds, all working toward common goals: safety, fun, and personal growth. As leaders, it’s our job to cultivate an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.

Scenario 1: The Lifeguard’s Voice

Imagine a scenario where a new lifeguard suggests a change in the rotation schedule, believing it will improve attentiveness and reduce fatigue. A traditional leadership approach might dismiss the idea, relying on established routines. A servant leader, however, listens attentively, asks clarifying questions, and considers the proposal on its merits.

By encouraging team members to contribute their insights, you not only improve operations but also foster a culture of trust and ownership. The lifeguard, feeling heard and respected, becomes more engaged and invested in the team’s success.

Scenario 2: Supporting Professional Growth

Consider a swim instructor who wants to pursue additional certifications. Instead of seeing this as a scheduling inconvenience, a servant leader recognizes the opportunity for growth—not just for the instructor, but for the entire program. Supporting continuing education and professional development shows your team that you care about their long-term success, not just their current job duties. This, in turn, inspires loyalty and a desire to give back to the organization.

Practical Steps to Practice Servant Leadership

So, how do you bring servant leadership into your aquatics facility? Here are some actionable strategies:

1. Listen Actively

Take time to truly listen to your staff—both their ideas and their concerns. Hold regular check-ins, ask open-ended questions, and give them space to share. For example, during pre-shift meetings, invite team members to share observations about facility operations or suggest improvements.

2. Remove Barriers

Identify obstacles that hinder your team’s performance. Maybe your guards lack the necessary equipment, or your instructors need more training. Proactively address these issues and demonstrate your investment in their success.

3. Share the Spotlight

When your team achieves something great—whether it’s a spotless safety inspection or a creative community event—recognize their efforts publicly. Highlight specific contributions and celebrate wins together. Recognition is a powerful motivator and reinforces a sense of purpose.

4. Encourage Autonomy

Empower your staff to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Set clear expectations and provide the resources they need, but avoid micromanaging. For instance, give your head lifeguard authority to adjust rotations as they see fit, provided it maintains safety and coverage.

5. Model the Behavior You Expect

If you want your staff to be attentive, courteous, and proactive, model those behaviors yourself. Your actions set the tone for your facility’s culture. Simple gestures—like helping to clean up after a shift or stepping in to assist during busy times—show your team that no task is beneath you.

Building a Team That Thrives

Servant leadership builds teams that are resilient, engaged, and committed to excellence. When staff feel supported, they’re more likely to go above and beyond—not just because they’re told to, but because they want to. This translates into better service for your patrons, a stronger reputation for your facility, and, ultimately, safer and more enjoyable aquatic environments for everyone.

Scenario 3: Navigating a Crisis

One summer, our pool was faced with a sudden lifeguard shortage. Rather than simply issuing orders or expressing frustration, I gathered the team and asked for their ideas. Together, we developed a revised schedule, identified staff who could take on additional responsibilities, and created a buddy system to ensure accountability. By involving the team in problem-solving and supporting their efforts, we not only weathered the crisis but also emerged stronger and more unified.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of servant leadership extends beyond your immediate team. When you empower your staff, they, in turn, are more likely to empower the swimmers, families, and community members they serve. This creates a ripple effect—enhancing program quality, increasing retention, and building community trust.

Final Thoughts

As we embark on this monthly journey together, I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership style. Are you leading from the front, or are you lifting others up from behind? The pool is more than just a body of water; it’s a platform for developing future leaders, fostering teamwork, and making a lasting difference.

By practicing servant leadership, you not only become a better leader but also create an environment where everyone can thrive. Let’s commit to serving our teams—and, by extension, our communities—with empathy, humility, and purpose.

Until next month, dive deep—and lead with service.

About the Author

Juliene Hefter, MSOLQ, AqP, AFOI, is the Executive Director of the Association of Aquatic Professionals and a leader with over 30 years of experience in the field. You can connect with Juliene at juliene@aquaticpros.org.

Are you interested in submitting a blog post? Reach out to Kirsten at kirsten@aquaticpros.org to share your idea and learn more about the AOAP Blog.