Directing on the wild side

What goals should the director have?

1. Hey this is a business. It's called building a bridge club. Did you forget that? Happy people will bring more customers. Unhappy people may not ever return to your game. Saying, "thanks for coming", at the end of the game. Is not motivational to the people you pissed off earlier in the game. Yelling SHUT UP at the top of your lungs is very unpleasant to hear.
This is a recreation, a fun past time, (cheaper than the movies) a good time for the participants did you forget that?
Of course it's competitive but that’s not your problem. Your problem is to make every one move along at a nice pace while they are having fun.
Well, can you be forceful and overbearing rude and nasty & strict and fun at the same time. I think that is really asking a lot of yourself.
2. So let's get right to business. You have to make sure each and every player is having a good time. People do not like being in trouble, they will be receptive to any suggestions that you can make, to help them speed up.
I don't care if they are playing well, winning or losing or whatever. They should be having a good time.
3. Make them have a good time. Do you think for 1 minute the terminology "hurry up, hurry up", will cause people to feel welcome or feel better about themselves of course not.
Patients my friend, show empathy and caring.
Let's suggest ways for them to hurry up.
a. One of the nicest directors I know helped a slow pair. By having the pair that would be passing the boards to them have them already in suits. Geez, what a good idea and that saves time.
b. Teach them how to claim correctly.
c. Suggest they stay focused in a friendly way, on what they are doing instead of letting their mind wander.
as in Oh, I didn't realize I was my turn to bid or play a card etc.
Threaten death and dying will not speed them up. Standing behind them and trying to rush them will not speed them up. Pull them to the side and ask them to help you. People like to help other people.
Ask them to help you by playing a little faster. They don't like to be embarrassed, by being screamed at by the director.
Take a board away from them politely, that will help. Don't threaten to take a board away. Just take it away with a smile and things will be back in time again.
Compliment them on playing faster, let them know that you have their best interests, they will appreciate you for it.
All you wanna be directors out there. So you know the rules and the movements. Of course keeping the game running smoothly is important, but what about the people.
That does not make you a good director.
A good director is fun to be around, people will be happy that you are coming to their table. Regardless, of the ruling. You have to act like a nice person.
You are in the entertainment business, you are not the bridge warden. You are not the jailer. You are not a jailer. You are not the Sherriff. Am I making a point.
Greet everyone of your players like they are old friends and glad to see them again. Be genuine.
I would really like to see the directors look at their jobs from a different light.
Sincerely,
Barry DePristo