In this episode of Racquet Fuel, host Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dave Konecky, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at the USTA, to explore the challenges and emerging trends in hiring leadership roles within the tennis industry. Together, they explore the industry's talent shortage, the significance of cultural fit, and the power of behavioral questions during interviews. They also discuss best practices for onboarding new hires and clarify the distinction between W2 employees and independent contractors (1099). Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes trusting your instincts, the value of virtual interviews, and assessing candidates on the court.
Episode Highlights:
- Strategies for addressing the talent shortage in the tennis industry and fostering growth within your current team.
- Defining cultural fit and how to find it in potential hires.
- Behavioral interview questions that help predict future performance.
- The critical role of onboarding after a new hire.
- Navigating the difficult process of letting an employee go.
- Benefits of hiring tennis pros as W2 employees versus independent contractors.
Resources noted in conversation:Tim Elmore: Generational Divides
ONE and
TWOBook:
A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore
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What is Racquet Fuel?
Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders.
Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Director of Racquet Sports at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you.
Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.