Why Strong Leaders Back Community Initiatives (and What Happens When They Don’t)

What separates a club that survives from one that thrives?

It’s not just great service or financial stability. It’s the strength of its leadership – and the willingness of leaders to step up when the community needs them most.

Too many organisations treat community initiatives as one-time, feel-good project. But when leaders ignore the heartbeat of their community, the ripple effects show up fast: staff disengagement, declining member loyalty, and a culture that feels hollow.

As Steve Edgar, GM of the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Supporters Club and President of Clubs for a Cause, shared with me, true leadership is about empathy, connection, and showing up for your community – even when it’s hard.

Leading with Empathy Isn’t Optional

Steve has spent decades leading teams across the club industry, and one thing is clear: empathy is no longer a “soft skill” – it’s the core of sustainable leadership.

Gone are the days of telling staff to “leave their troubles at the door”. Today’s workforce, particularly younger generations, expects leaders to recognise them as whole people. When managers take the time to listen, care, and create safe spaces, staff not only perform better but also stay longer.

And this isn’t just an HR benefit. It strengthens your club’s culture, reputation, and community impact.

Why Community Connection Drives Culture

Steve describes the Coolangatta Surf Club as “an extension of people’s lounge rooms” – a place where locals feel they belong.

During Covid border closures, the club led the Essentially Coolie campaign, which attracted national attention and secured $14 million in support for the community. That didn’t just keep the doors open. It reminded the community that their club had their back when it mattered most.

Leaders who stand up in times of crisis build trust that lasts well beyond the immediate challenge.

If your club wants to attract top talent, loyal members, and community respect, backing local initiatives isn’t just charity – it’s strategy.

The Cost of Leaders Who Stay Silent

When leaders don’t engage with their community, the gaps show up quickly:

• Staff disengagement: employees feel disconnected from purpose.
• Member apathy: guests stop seeing the club as “theirs” and look elsewhere.
• Reputation risk: boards and regulators notice when a club seems self-serving.
• Cultural drift: without a shared sense of belonging, teams become transactional.

Strong leaders protect against this by aligning culture and community. They don’t see it as “extra work” – they see it as the work.

Practical Ways Leaders Can Back Community Initiatives

From Steve’s stories and my own work with clubs, here are five ways leaders can actively engage:

• Make belonging part of induction – help new staff connect with each other and the community early.
• Encourage “on their terms” initiatives – instead of dictating social activities, co-create options staff actually want.
• Support wellbeing programs – events like Walking with Mates for Mental Health raised over $42,000 and will fund upcoming Healthy Heads workshops for local businesses.
• Partner locally – collaborate with schools, charities, and volunteer groups to amplify impact.
• Model care from the top – when leaders show vulnerability and empathy, it gives permission for the entire team to do the same.

🎥 Watch the full YouTube episode CLICK HERE

🎧 Listen to the podcast conversation CLICK HERE

To connect with Steve and find out more about Clubs for a Cause or the Healthy Heads Workshops CLICK HERE.

If you’re a CEO or senior leader in a registered club, now is the time to invest in your managers. Strong leaders don’t just hit KPIs – they build cultures that serve staff, members, and the wider community. Start with my Middle Management Movement program – designed specifically for clubs who want confident, community-minded leaders at every level. CLICK HERE to learn more.