Playing Golf Makes Me a Better Leader
08 May 2014
Early morning tee-off
I have been playing golf for 20 years (yeah, started when I was 15) with a break of 5 years beteen 2009–2013. I started playing again last year (best stress buster while I build Brightpod) and it’s just been fantastic. Some people think of golf as a waste of time but I think there is a lot to learn from this game that can make you a better leader…
Don’t look back at what happened on the previous holes. Think present and future.
Mind and body coordination. The muscles that constitute your swing should move in-sync. One mistake and the ball will NOT go straight. Attention to detail is paramount.
Control your mood if things go bad. Golf is a mind game. A bad mood and a good swing don’t relate.
Build accuracy. You need to know exactly how much you are going to hit.
Commitment. Some holes are crap and the others you birdie. Keep up the spirit to finish the game regardless of how you performed on each hole.
Make quick decisions. Should you play a putter from the sand if the sand is not too soft or would you hit a low iron if stuck behind a tree?
Take calculated Risks. Would you play a safe iron shot or go for the big driver shot when you know you can comfortably par the whole using an iron.
Uncertainty. The wind might take your ball to the left. Deal with it.
Follow through on every shot. No fear.
A good hole does not mean that the next one is also going to be good. You gotta work for it.
Luck plays a part but don’t hold onto luck. You can’t repeat a hole in one.
What worked last weekend might not work this time. Learn to improvise and adapt to the changing course, pin placement or weather conditions.
Teamwork. We always play in teams of 2 in each four ball.
Friendship. Golf provides opportunities to meet new people.
The more you practice the better you get at it.
The course calls you back every week. It’s a challenge that is thrown at you. Go conquer.
Do you play golf? Have any tips? Would love to hear them in the comments below.