BUSINESS EDU Shark Forward: Stay Sharp in Mid-Summer – by William Cline, Publisher, & President for 35 years of Cline Group, a marketing, research and advertising consultancy specializing the scuba diving industry.
Welcome to my new series using real world business instincts inspired by marine life. I hope you enjoy this new column! Mid-summer. For dive pros, this is when things really ramp up. Staff schedules are packed, boats are full, phones are still ringing, and your shop
the summer rush threatens to sweep you away. Lead Your Team with Purpose: The busiest days are when your team needs you the most. Be the example. Stay calm, stay focused, stay engaged. Encourage staff to support one another and help them understand how every role con- nects to making the summer season a success. Sharks move with precision, and a strong dive team can do the same when it operates like a coordinated, well led unit. Stay present, listen to their concerns, and recognize their efforts. Helping your team feel valued and motivated is the best way to keep the whole operation on track. Make the Most of Mid-Summer: Remember, summer doesn’t last forever. The long days, packed boats, and bustling shop aren’t just moments of hard work. They’re moments when new divers fall in love with the sport and long time cus-
feels like Grand Central Station. The long days, long nights, equipment demands, group trips, and last minute changes can be overwhelming. But this is also when the best opportunities surface, and when a strong team and sharp focus matter more than ever. That’s When I Think About the Shark: Sharks have a reputation for being relentless, always moving, always focused. They have to be. Most species must keep swimming just to
breathe. It’s that forward momentum that allows them to survive and thrive, no matter how turbulent the ocean be- comes. As dive pros, that lesson is worth holding onto when summer’s whirlwind is in full swing. Channel the Shark’s Focus: In mid-summer, it’s easy to get pulled in a million directions – staff scheduling, equipment needs, new students, group
tomers deepen their connections. Stay sharp, stay engaged, and make the most of it. Push through the challenging moments with that un- mistakable “shark forward” mental- ity, knowing you’re creating an experience that can build loyalty for years to come. The “Busy” Tests Your Systems and Procedures: There is no better
Sand Tiger Shark
trips, last minute changes. The best way to stay sharp is to focus like a shark. Ask yourself: What needs my attention right now? What can wait? Making quick, confident decisions can save precious time, energy, and sanity. It doesn’t mean ignor- ing everything else, but it does mean knowing when to zero in and when to glide past a distraction. Stay Calm Amid the Current: Sharks don’t flail in turbu- lent waters. They adjust, stay calm, and glide with precision. You can do the same. Even when things feel overwhelming, slow down long enough to assess, adjust, and move forward intentionally. Sometimes that means delegating more, trusting your staff, or setting boundaries for yourself and your team. Those moments of clarity can make all the difference when
test of your SOP, systems and staff training than the busy summer season. As you go along, keep a journal of what worked well, and what did not, especially during peak days or weeks. That journal will become invaluable in the fall when you review your summer, and plan to fix what needs fixing. So as you move through the heart of summer, take a lesson from the shark. Keep moving, stay focused, and don’t lose sight of where you’re going. Stay alert, stay confident, and stay sharp. The currents may be strong, but with a clear sense of
direction and that “shark forward” mindset, you can glide through the busiest season and come out stronger, better, and more prepared for whatever the ocean and the dive industry brings next.
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