Network Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 14

I resolved to make an effort to spend some time in the facilities I teach in when I’m not actually instructing classes us to feel part of a larger team and build friendships within that team. For me, attendance at as many of these as possible became a part of my risk management plan. Nevertheless, there have been plenty of parties at which I have felt like a fish out of water because I did not know many people and struggled to feel part of the group, resulting in my being glad to trot out the ‘teaching a class first thing tomorrow morning’ excuse for an early departure. Personally, the social occasions that have been most enjoyable have either been at clubs where I have developed friendships with the staff via the methods discussed above, including meeting attendance, or at events such as sit-down meals or fun activities like lawn bowls, which can mitigate the awkwardness of barely knowing anyone. 4 Pick and choose your clubs The risk management strategies that I have discussed do not work at every club. This may be due to a combination of factors, including our own schedules, the layout of a facility and the culture of a club. In the case of the latter two, it is important to recognise what we can and cannot change. It is likely that there will always be some clubs that fall into the ‘arrive, teach, leave’ category, and feature very little in the way of staff interaction. That said, if a club does claim to have an inclusive staff culture, but that isn’t being experienced by the GFIs who want to be part of it – whether due to the inclusive culture not existing at all or it being cliquey – then it is fair to bring that to the attention of the GFM. In such instances it should be appreciated that the GFM may have an ‘insider’ perspective which differs from that of those who feel excluded. It is therefore important for both sides to be as objective as possible when approaching and discussing such issues. The GFM may not be able to fix the problem, but they should be in a position to raise the issue with the management team so that steps can be taken to bring about a culture shift. Since reducing isolation is not a legislated mental health issue, we also need to accept that some businesses will not seek to act on our concerns. That said, if such inaction was evident in a club TV Sound on Smartphones! The fun begins with a simple AppAudio download. The App enables mem- bers to enjoy the sound from your TV screens on their smartphones. Engage members with custom text banners and advertising, class schedules, reward programs and more. AppAudio technology provides seamless integration with Cardio Theater, Broadcast Vision, MYE/Fitness Audio entertainment systems. Chosen by Technogym and Netpulse as the preferred headphone listening software for their Apps. Get with AppAudio - the experts in TV Sound over WiFi. Distributed by AMA around Australia and the Asia Pacific region.  Aerobic Microphones Microphones Australia Aerobic Australia Ph: 02 8399 1052 14 | NETWORK SPRING 2017 Email: [email protected] Web shop: http://www.fitnessaudioshop.com.au JP’s Blog: http://blog.fitnessaudio.com.au FREE DOWNLOAD app4audio.com or scan qr code