Teamwork

In one respect business is not like golf, and that is the element of teamwork. Golf is normally a very solitary endeavor, just one golfer against the course and all other competitors. Very much alone, 100% responsible for the results, no one else to share the credit or take the blame.

But occasionally golf is also a team sport. Typically in college golf, but more notably in the famous Ryder Cup and the President's Cup, which is currently taking place in Montreal. Yesterday was a match of two-on-two with the alternate ball format. That means I drive it off the tee into the rough, you hit it back on the fairway, I hit it back in the rough, you hit it on the green and I miss the putt. And so on.

That was pretty much the way it went yesterday for Tiger Woods and his partner Charles Howell III. Charles had hit one wide of the green into deep rough behind a large sand trap with very little green in front of the hole. Tiger slashed it out with typical finesse, flying high over the trap, landed softly on the fringe and rolled gently to within two feet. Charles stepped up and missed the putt! That's hard on team spirit.

Nevertheless, they persevered and won their match. As Tiger said, "What matters is that we got the job done."

Meanwhile Mike Weir and VJ Singh had a different team experience. Both had been playing well and were holding a slim lead. But Mike hit his approach shot to the green slightly left and it landed in the sand trap. No problem, VJ hit a perfect shot out of the sand, onto the green and into the hole!

Ah the joys of successful teamwork.

Books for both

I noticed on a recent visit to the bookstore that books on golf and business are remarkably similar.

Catchy titles: "The six rules for success", "The only book you'll ever need to need to read" , "Learn from the pros", etc. .... And the selections are similar; mastering techniques, applying psychology, or success stories from the past.

But in business and in golf, studying the subject and knowing the principles for success are not enough. You have to practice and get better by doing it.

Learning from experience and not just experiencing the experience will make all the difference.

Another good weekend for Tiger

Watching Tiger shoot 28 on the front nine was exciting and impressive, but the disappointment of a 35 on the back nine was a helpful reminder to us all that our expectations are not always met. Even the world's best golfer can have a letdown.

We were all looking forward to a 60, 59, or maybe even the first ever 58 on a PGA tour event. But the magic ended, inexplicably, as in life and business.

Nevertheless, Tiger won another tournament, another $1.26 million, plus the first FedEx Cup for the season's playoff series winner and a $10 million bonus. Suddenly, golf sounds a whole lot better than most businesses. I wonder if it's all golf for Tiger or does he see it as a business too?

One to remember

Another quotable from my dad, the original Uncle Ralph, which he used a lot when he was coaching me at baseball, but also applies to business and golf.

"It's never good enough to swing and hope."

Think about it.

Advice from golfers

Many golfers have succeeded in business as well as golf and they have relevant advice for us about both. On this Blog we'll worry more about business than your golf (or mine).

First quotes are from Arnold Palmer, thanks to Rick Spence and his Canadian Entrepreneur Blog.
See: http://canentrepreneur.blogspot.com/2007/09/best-ever-entrepreneurship-quotes-week_10.html

Best-Ever Entrepreneurship Quotes: Week 49

Here is your motivational Quote of the Week, personally selected to get your week off to an inspirational start.

“Winning isn't everything, but wanting it is.”Arnold Palmer, professional golfer and living legend.Today Arnie celebrates his 78th birthday. To send him a birthday greeting, click here (registration required in “Arnie’s Army”).

And here's another great Arnold Palmer quote on competition for all entrepreneurs to chew on:“I never rooted against an opponent. But I never rooted for him, either.”

Thanks Arnold and Rick for your thoughts on golf and business.

Business is like golf

I keep being reminded that business is like golf, so decided it's time to start a blog and website on the subject. Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself!

Several years ago at DirectTech Solutions we worked that theme into our marketing strategy.
(See: http://www.directtech.ca/business_is_like_golf.htm )

It included golf themed brochures, putting contests at trade shows, sponsoring golf tournaments, etc. It was fun and created some buzz, but we got tired of it and moved on.

However, now that I'm spending more time trying to write, teach, advise, consult and comment on management, leadership and entrepreneurship, the golf analogy keeps coming back.

Let's see how far we can take it this time.