Strength in diversity

It is important in this ever-changing world, to watch those forever floating tea leaves. At a time when attitudes, views and tastes change faster than an expressway sedan moving at breakneck speed, the world is moving ever faster to the beat of many drums. While the game we love was once stuck in neutral, it too has swallowed a high octane energy drink, complete with a full daily tee sheet and more unique options for golfers new and not-so-new. The nation is changing and the population is changing with it. While the game of golf was always an individual challenge, the business of golf remained clutching in the dark for any way to grow and then sustain that growth. This too is changing. With the nation being an ever-increasing melting pot of amazing history and stories, the business and the game are seizing on these changes, now working to look and feel more like the space beyond the 18th hole.

As we look out over the next 10-20 years, where will new growth come from? As the Boomers move on and new generations control the economy, how will golf grow? How then will it remain relevant? Who will become the new golfers in 2030 or 2040? Although many of us believe golf is the greatest game, we must convince groups of folks unlike the golfers of the past to give it a try, to take their first swing. In order to change and grow the future of this sport leaders must communicate far and wide. I believe they should look at all opportunities to educate and create growth. In this In My Opinion post, I offer three thoughts about how to create interest, change, and growth from where you sit.

Every new hire is important: It is important in this time to construct or build a fantastic team based on people: men and women who want to be part of a team, executing a mission of care and hospitality. It is certainly time to bring diversity to the club and clubhouse. Having a strong, diverse team will encourage more across your community to take that first swing.

Go out to the community: Many years ago I learned that if the people I wanted to meet were not knocking on my door, I needed to go out into the community and find them. Being a part of the community means being in the community. As a property leader, you will be a welcomed leader. Use that leverage to meet people who might just become your new star. Make the time each month to go out and see where the best candidates are working. They probably are not coming to see you. They are just too busy to take time away. 

Programs, programs, programs: If you are developing a training program, build a custom program to suit the needs of your team, your members, and business owners. If you are going to grow golfers, be certain to develop programs to build golfers who will respect the game, the course and each other. Be a proactive leader and create the programs you always wanted to execute. When workers are respected and recognized, they stay on the job. When golfers learn the game, they play better, thus playing more and more golf. No magic here, just constant sweat equity.

As the country changes, so must every smart business leader. It is important to look ahead, to do the things that will make your club flourish long after you have moved on. Creating a strong workforce of qualified men and women from all backgrounds will not only bring better people to your team, it will show golfers and prospective members that you look like the community you serve. Golf was old and stale. Today it is moving at a speed many have not experienced. It truly comes down to people, to proactive leadership, and developing ways to get more folks to take that first swing. When all of the parts come together, for most, it will not be their last.

Jack Dillon writes the In My Opinion posts. Jack is a speaker, an author and longtime expert in service, operations, and merchandising. Call Jack to discuss how he can help you improve those parts of hospitality that will make the difference. You can also contact Jack at jackd@careerdividends.com or 407-973-6136. Jack lives in Orlando.