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Planning and organizational skills Each and every day superintendents evaluate and develop tasks to be completed on the golf course. They take into account elements such as weather, personnel, equipment and events to organize and plan these tasks. Planning and organizing these jobs requires follow-up to ascertain the quality of the golf course and to revaluate future needs. A disorganized crew will become clustered and disrespectful of the tasks at hand which will be easily shown by the quality of the golf course. For example, having a small crew go out and build a rock wall with no formal knowledge about what is expected of the completed product is a waste of time and money. It’s best to demonstrate exactly what to build and how you want the final product to look. If your workers are still having problems seeing your vision, work with them throughout the project. Always be one step ahead of your staff, and have things planned out. The planning and organization of staff is vital to produce the best product available. Written and communication skills In this industry not one person can go a day without talking or communicating with employees and coworkers. Superintendents need to be familiar with the use of email, blogs and other social media, in addition to the need for traditional letters to your golf course members, colleagues and staff. Great examples of blogs that you can use for your maintenance facility are Tom Vlach, CGCS at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and Chris Tritabaugh, superintendent at Northland Country Club in Duluth, Minn. Professionalism is the key with all forms of communication. “Golf course superintendents are a professional career just like physicians and architects and need formal education to be a professional member of this community” says David L. Wienecke, CGCS of Chambers Bay Golf Course. Superintendents, just like doctors or lawyers, are the experts in the care of turf. Expressing and communicating your ideas, concerns and knowledge to members of the golf course and community will demonstrate professionalism. Patience Good things come to those who wait. Patience is one of those skills that every future and current superintendent can work on. “Don’t expect to be at the top of your career right out of school” says Fred Larned of Sycamore Creek Golf Course in Fort Worth Texas. I understand that most of you may already be superintendents but just remember to use patience at any level of your career for we are all students throughout our whole life. Patience at work should transcend into your everyday activities outside of you career. Many superintendents get stressed about past or future events or worry about things they have no control over, like weather. However, if you allow yourself to be patient and let things work themselves out, good things will come. Remember, focus on the big picture. Be creative, innovative and a problem solver In addition to planning each day’s operations, a superintendent must be able to roll with the punches and be creative in solving any problems that may arise. “Cognitive thinking is a must; you need to be able to think on the fly, and outside the box,” says Blake Scott of Cherry Creek Country Club in Denver, Colorado. Problem-solving is a skill that you need to develop outside of the classroom. Scott goes on to say: “Figure out your style. There are a hundred ways to skin a cat. Maybe technology is your thing, maybe you’re old-fashioned. But one thing that is important to keep in mind is that these are people working for you, not mindless robots.” Whether it is moving employees to different jobs on short notice or developing new techniques on difficult and time-consuming objectives, creative thinking is important. This skill will enable your employees to be more productive in many daily activities. Be humble After working and volunteering at many different golf courses, I have experienced various management philosophies at work. The more successful superintendents are always humble and willing to work right beside their staff. They roll up their khakis, pull up their sleeves and fix an irrigation break right beside their assistants. They know what it takes to get the job done and are more than willing to do whatever it takes to complete it. These superintendents also know when to listen to what other people are saying and are always teaching. Even though, as a superintendent, you are the expert at your club on turf issues, if you’re confused or unsure about a particular problem, reach out to your friends and colleagues to find a solution to the problem. Finance skills Today’s economic challenges affect all types of courses and your ability to manage your course’s maintenance budget is the most important skill to develop. Taking a few business classes may help you plan and work within a budget. “Know where your money comes from, and how you allocate it for the best use is imperative,” says Phil Bailey, CGCS of Cypress Creek Golf Club of Smithfield, Virginia. Superintendents must be able to budget for salaries, fertilizer and pesticide costs, capital purchases, equipment and irrigation supplies and unexpected events that happen throughout the season. Your ability to manage the funds of your department will directly influence the quality of the golf course. When all 10 of these skills are working together, you will develop respect from your employees. This respect is your ultimate goal as the leader of your crew. If your employees don’t respect your views or abilities to lead the group, then the work ethic and quality of their work will directly influence the quality of the course. Take for example some of the best coaches in sports throughout history; coaches such as Herb Brooks, Don Shula, Joe Torre and Vince Lombardi; they all had the respect from their players who were willing to follow their plan. You, as the coach of your crew, must do the same and lead them to the goals set forth by your organization. Each member of this industry must always remember that the course in which they work is never “your course,” but instead always think that it is the “members’ course” or “customers’ course” and manage it accordingly. Never take credit personally for your crews’ work but instead give credit where credit is due. For all the students or assistants trying to work their way up the ladder, use these skills for personal growth to get an edge in the industry. The economy and job market will get better and the cream of the crop will rise to the top. If you’re passionate enough for this career and the work ethic shows, then you will have no problems finding a job. We are all human and not one single person is perfect. Just like the many different species and cultivars, we are all different in our styles and characteristics. We are always students in the game of life. So take these skills and build on your strengths and weaknesses. About the author |
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