5 ways to lead a company during uncertain times

The golf operation at this moment is different, quite different. The staff numbers are down, the maintenance team number is down, but rounds are up, in many cases, way up! Yet, our community, our town, our country is in crisis. These times not only feel strange, they are. As the property leader, you did not ask for this, and you don’t own the playbook to help guide you. Most of us do not know the right words, the right moves or actions to take today. At the same time, you have a business and a team to lead, and they are looking for leadership. While these times are asking us to step up to extend our humanity, we can only reach out with our voice, as the virus keeps us apart.

This highfives post provides 5 ideas on how to manage and serve in this crisis. It feels wonderful that golf is having some very strong play throughout the country, after watching the people in the industry work hard to rebuild rounds for so many years. At the same time, we are in pain as we know life is playing out very differently in the community just outside the club gates. Here are my highfives on serving during this time of crisis:

1. Spend as little time as possible in the office. These are the days your people need you as much as the membership. Be out and all over the clubhouse, the course, the bag drop
2. Spend one on one time with every member of your team. Everyone is in pain, and everyone has a personal story. There may be additional strive at home, and your leadership, your empathy, your ear, can be invaluable support
3. It is also important to put on a good show for your golfers. It is vital to remind the team, as well as that person in the mirror, that your golfers are looking for an escape to enjoy their game for a few hours. They want to walk on green grass, spending quiet time with friends or family. They want to enjoy these hours
4. Create work schedules that make sense for the club but also for the individuals on your team. There has never been a time like now, so standard rules & practices are a waste at this moment. Put your humanity first, and look to say yes to as many requests as you can
5. Talk to your golfers. Encourage them, thank them, and tell them you are there for them. As the leader, people are looking for you to lead. Spend quiet time thinking through the day to day, and how you can improve the experience for golfer and employee alike. Each person is at the club for their reason, yet there is a common angst amongst all.

At the same time, it is most important to look after yourself. Although there is no playbook for these times, there are biographies on leadership and stories about dealing with crisis. These may be helpful. Yes, people are looking for your leadership, but at the same time, no one is looking for you to part the Red Sea. Be human, use your great experience and skills, reach out to past employers or mentors, and above all, give yourself a break. We are in a very strange place, while golfers are golfing. Think about the golf experience, the people, and this time we are in and use the skills of your entire team to make every day a human success. Thank you.

About the author

Jack Dillon writes the highfives series. Jack has been in the game for 47 years. He is an expert communicator, as well as an expert in merchandise, operations, and service. Reach Jack at 407-973-6136 for help with your property. You can e-mail Jack at dillonjack53@gmail.com.