Golf Course Managers

Three Types of Golf Course Managers/Leaders, Which one are you? What type do you have managing your property?

There are three types of managers/leaders/coaches:

1. Duds
2. Difference Makers
3. Needle Movers

What’s the difference in the three types of Golf Course Managers?

Duds

• We have all seen them, worked for them or maybe even were one at one time in our past.   In most cases, they have one of the two following characteristics.   The first is the manager that is just lazy, not- engaged and not interested.  They come in late, leave early and avoid all decision making, team management and passion for helping the property succeed.  The second is the manager that is at the property 70 hours a week, overwhelmed, stressed out and focuses on all the wrong things.  They are not connected to the team, our guests and the day to day operation.   This manager gets stuck in the cursory duties and because of a lack of leadership and direction, they take on trivial tasks that someone could have completed.  Both of these lead to poor results,  terrible team morale and lack of fun at the club.

Difference Makers

•  These are the managers/leaders/coaches that look at the property and always strive to make it better along with how to make the experience more enjoyable for their guests and create an excellent work environment for their team.   The details are important, are administratively strong and set clear expectations. They think, strategize, implement and stay accountable in making a positive difference on a day-to-day basis.   They take objective observations of their operation and guest experience then strive to make improvements rather than make excuses or push blame.  Simply, they make a difference…

Needle Movers

• These are the managers/leaders/coaches that make drastic improvements in the sales and service efforts of their clubs.  They view themselves as Sales & Service Specialists and Superior Strategists. They take the lead on making every guest’s experience as memorable as possible.  Their philosophy is simple: Every Guest, Every Time.   They focus not on what they want, but what the customer is looking for.  They design, develop and build play products based on their customers buying patterns, they train, empower, set high expectations for their team, and they create a fun and competitive work environment by keeping score and never show anything but a positive, optimistic and forward thinking mindset.   No matter where the property they manage is located or how bad the economy may be, the service improves, a competitive edge is created and sales/profit go up…the Needle Moves…

As you can see, our goal is to build and have Difference Makers and Needle Movers.  In today’s marketplace, there is no room for Duds.  

KEY:  If you are more of a Difference Maker, hire more Needle Movers to support your talents.  Vice-Versa if you are more of a Needle Mover.  Can you be both, absolutely, but it takes time, focus, awareness, and commitment.