Don’t be afraid of trying new ideas

He appeared on my television screen in the early 1960s. I was nine and a baseball fanatic. When I first saw him, ball 4 had crossed the plate. He drew a walk. Unlike the hundreds of batters I had watched before him however, Pete Rose did not walk to first base: he ran a sprint! As a young major leaguer, he loved to play the game. His energy on the field earned him the name: Charlie Hustle. Long before he had the most hits in history or later, when he committed serious transgressions against the game, the kids of a certain generation held Pete Rose in awe. Once we saw Pete every other player was second best. Being around people with energy and a passion for their work creates special enthusiasm for many of us. Their passion becomes our passion. It ignites a spark that enables people to believe they can do so much more.

In addition to being around a person with deep passion, coaching people up is a way to unleash energy and production. Although micromanaging people is an unwanted skill from days gone by, being out, working with others, and providing real direction can change your business. Over many years of managing people, I found employees fearful of making a mistake or worse, upsetting their manager. They would rather do nothing than risk someone’s wrath by making any type of mistake. I believe it is essential to let all team members know the expectations, in plain, spelled out terms. What does the club stand for? What can the individual do for a member or guest? When problems arise, what can your staff do to repair it without a management huddle? In this In My Opinion post, I am providing three ideas on unleashing the better producer in every staff member.

Be sure your team understands that trying things and falling short is not fatal. Work with your management team to create an understanding of club standards, and where the foul poles sit. Many employees want to protect their jobs. This may cause them to avoid trying things. They may go to great lengths to simply keep their spot on the team. When they do, chances are they may become a less productive member of the team. Instead, work to discover their interests and their passion and allow every team member the opportunity to invest more of themselves.

There are no silly ideas. It is important to communicate to all that you invite new ideas. With each employee coming from different backgrounds with unique experiences, there is the possibility that team members can bring forward ideas that can save you money or change the way you do business. Allow every idea to find oxygen. Create contests for the most ideas in one month, and the best idea in another contest. Find a way to take the reluctance out of the room. Allow team members to share their thoughts even if it begins only with their manager. Ideas driven by those who do the job can have true, practical value.

Be proactive in building confidence with team members. With far less talent than many of his contemporaries, the late Pete Rose developed into a superstar. He played several positions; he had the most hits in the game and played all out every time he stepped onto the field. He knew he could beat the other guy. He played with a swagger. While I am not suggesting a dose of swagger for your team, I am suggesting that a more confident team will provide better service and create better hospitality than a team nervous about their every move. A knowledgeable, confident group of people can go a long way. With you and your managers observing the troops in action it should be apparent how to build for a better future. When people feel good about themselves they will stretch and look to help in new ways.

Pete Rose was a different kind of player. He proved that beyond just talent, passion, and hustle could take a person a long, long way. I believe the same can work for your team. When you work individually with team members, you can unleash the hidden skills of your people. It first begins, I believe, with making certain they are willing to remove fear and reticence from their day. After that, it is about finding their interest, their sweet spot. When the club has a group of happy, productive, willing people driving toward home plate, it’s easy to see how your most productive seasons are all in front of you.

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Jack Dillon writes the In My Opinion posts. Jack, in the business since 1973, can help your club, team, and operation create better results. Jack is an experienced consultant, strategist, speaker, and buyer. He can help your people become better in so many ways. As a merchant, Jack can help turn around the most sluggish golf shops. Go to www.youdontknowjackd.com to learn more or to sign up for a FREE 30-minute Zoom to learn more. You can also call Jack at 407-973-6136. Jack lives in Orlando and is prepared to help you build a better 2025.