GSI Executive Search Insights

There Just Might Be a Better Way (To Get Things Done)

There’s an old saying you might hear lingering around your club now or then. “We’ve always done it this way” is a common phrase employees might use when they’re resistant to change, or afraid to take a risk. The job of a successful General Manager is to encourage their staff to get out of this mindset and look for ways to accomplish tasks in a more effective and efficient manner, even if means a new, creative approach. Holding onto a negative mindset can halt improvements, cost the club money, and ultimately keep the club from adapting to an ever-changing world.

Here are some ways to help encourage your employees:

  1. Make a Connection. Relating with your employees of all levels on a more personal scale makes them more willing to work harder for you. When they feel as though the reward is helping a friend, this could lead to more effective work.
  2. Create an Open Dialogue. Allow employees to feel comfortable coming to you with suggestions and encourage feedback without a negative reaction.
  3. Recognize a Job Well Done. When an employee goes above and beyond, or even does well on a day-to-day task, remember to recognize their good work. Employees that feel appreciated will be more willing to continue working hard.
  4. Provide Resources. Change can start with what you provide your employees to get the job done. Providing resources to make sure your employees CAN do the job to the best of their ability is critical.
  5. Lead by Example. Are you looking at improvements in innovative ways yourself? Lead by example by bringing new ideas to the table instead of only relying on managers or staff to be creative. If they see that you care as much as you would like them to, they will follow.

Now that you know how to encourage your employees to be the best version of themselves, offer suggestions on areas that could use improvements. The Golf Course Maintenance Department typically has the largest budget and the largest staff, meaning that for the benefit of the club, continuous improvement should always be top of mind. Some Golf Course specific evaluations can include making sure your equipment is up to date, checking your irrigation systems for efficiency, proposing renovation projects, reviewing the budget on a yearly basis, and developing safety plans. Happy, challenged employees will look at these evaluations with a more open mind, with less hesitation to change.

GSI can help you find employees with the right mindset and assist you and your employees in creative ideas on the Golf Course. Let us know how we can help!

Mark J. Woodward, CGCS                                                                                             
Principal, GSI Search Consultant                        
Head Agronomy Consultant

Shawn Emerson
Ethos Club and Leisure
Agronomy Consultant

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