Golf is known to be a “business” sport, and maybe that’s for good reason. Here are some important skills learned in golf that are vital when it comes to office etiquette.
It’s summertime, and, for many people, that means long afternoons spent on the links. To the uninitiated this may seem like idle time, but golfers know the social, psychological, and professional benefits that come from playing a great game (or not so great game…) of golf.
If anyone happens to doubt the value of an afternoon spent driving, putting, and (for me) searching for lost balls, here’s a helpful list to show them what you already know: golf is a game of personal and professional enrichment.
9 Skills You Learn in Golf that Are Invaluable at the Office
- Honesty: There are no referees on the course. Players are responsible for recording their own score, and that includes penalties on themselves. Just as no one wants to play with a cheater, no one wants to work with a dishonest person who cuts corners.
- Integrity: Players are responsible for their actions and conduct on the course. If you’re having an off day, throwing a fit about it isn’t going to improve your game. The same rule applies in the office. Etiquette and composure are important.
- Sportsmanship: No one likes a sore loser or an arrogant winner. Whether it’s in the office or after 9 holes on the course, congratulate others on their success, thank those around you for their participation, and remember, tomorrow will bring another challenge.
- Respect: Chances are if you’re playing a round of golf, you already respect those you’re playing with. Carry that same respect for others with you when you walk into your office every day.
- Confidence: Every time you take a swing, you have to be confident. If you’re not, it shows wherever the ball lands. This is also important with every business decision you make. Be confident; your colleagues and supervisors can tell.
- Responsibility: On the course, you’re responsible for keeping your own score, raking the sand trap, and replacing divots. At work, be the person who is responsible for scoring and tracking your own successes and challenges as they relate to your role.
- Perseverance: Even when things aren’t going your way, you have to continue to push through it. You can’t let one bad shot affect your next swing, just like you can’t let one bad day or tough project impact anything else you’re working on. Your attitude to will reflect on others as well to improve everyone’s game.
- Courtesy: Contrary to Adam Sandler’s character in Happy Gilmore, you should be still and quiet while others are preparing and taking their shots because you know you want the same courtesy when it’s your turn. When you’re at work, give your employees the same treatment you want from them by listening to ideas and issues.
- Decision Making: Golf is about strategy as much as it is about skill. Take that strategic thinking back to the office. With every action you take, what will the reaction be? What will be the result? Think ahead and give yourself the best chance come out a winner!
Golf is a popular sport for successful business people. If you see a business career in your own future, we think you’ve got a perfectly valid excuse to spend all the time you need honing your skills. Just don’t let it get in the way of your class work!
