New Golf Managers

Whether you’re a brand–new golf manager, or you’ve just been promoted to a level of higher responsibility, please consider the following:  Early mistakes can create an avalanche of resentment that will bury your potential and good intentions.  Try not to commit the following unforced errors: 

• Change for the sake of change. “Things are going to be different now that I’m in charge.” Certainly some things are going to be different, but some things got the way they are for good reason. Immediately sweeping away all the old rules and procedures is a mistake. 
• Careless Promises.  Never promise anything you aren’t absolutely certain you can deliver.  Remember that you cannot buy loyalty — rewards should be handed out only for what people have done in the past and what they are going to continue to do in the future.
• Playing favorites.  Yes, some employees are more dependable than others.  But your job is to manage all of them (or do something about those with significant performance issues). Good managers treat their people consistently and fairly.
• Hoarding the work.  Often out of nervousness, new managers try to do everything themselves.  But training and delegating are among your most important responsibilities.  Learn to delegate or you invite disaster.
• Special privileges.  Remember that everyone is watching you.  Coming in late, going home early, taking long lunches or playing 18 holes of golf each day send the wrong message. You can’t expect employees to give 110 percent if you’re not doing the same.