Guest Columnist
What Golf Can Reveal About You
By
Jun 19, 2007 - 7:16:59 PM

What Golf Can Reveal About You


(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Much like the Myers-Briggs or Rorschach Inkblot personality tests, the game of golf can reveal much about you. It has been said that golf brings out the best and worst in people. The game allows you to know your playing partners’ personalities and they will learn equally as much about you.

This is why so many business leaders play golf with important clients, suppliers and potential hires. Many of the rules of golf apply to the business world and being successful at any endeavor – being prepared, paying attention, assessing situations quickly and maintaining ones composure. Situations created on the golf course reveal how you respond to success or failure, performance under pressure, and how well you abide by the rules and ethics of the game.

Golf with its metaphorical symbolism mirrors the lessons needed for effective leadership. There are 27 million Americans, 1.8 million Canadians and millions worldwide who play the game of golf regularly. And many of these individuals are successful business leaders who are used to closing deals on the golf course. One top CEO was quoted as saying, “If you can’t close in four hours, you can’t sell,” of the opportunities afforded by the game.

In every round of golf there is something extraordinary that happens and something that’s not perfect. It’s humbling and a good test of character. Some scenarios to consider on the golf course:

How do you handle sudden changing conditions that require quick decisions? Are you indecisive and consistently spend too much time choosing a club or standing over a putt? Or are you prepared and always thinking ahead, taking several clubs to your ball in case the conditions are different when viewed up close?

Do you make lots of excuses -- there was noise in my back swing, a gust of wind? Or do you accept the outcome of a missed shot and move on to the next task at hand?

How do you perform under pressure? Do you have a temper? Have you ever thrown a club in anger? Or kicked sand in a trap after a poor shot? Outbursts of frustration reveal much about your temperament which would seldom happen in a job interview.

How well do you concentrate? Are you easily distracted or even distracting? [Turn your Blackberry off!]

What’s your capacity for fun? Can you laugh at yourself?

Are you positive and helpful? Or only focused on your own game?

Do you count all of your strokes? How ethical are you?

Golf is a marvelous test of skill, competition and character, the quest for continuous improvement, moments of great exultation, and sometimes huge disappointment. These characteristics are all key aspects in understanding business relationships, assessing leadership acumen and influencing how clients and colleagues regard each other and ultimately if they want to do business together.

Golf and leadership function under similar fundamental concepts. Both are games for the individual. The golfer must hit her own ball. The leader must decide the next move. Consequently, each must accept responsibility for the results. The game of golf and game of leadership both offer challenge. Each presents obstacles to success. Excellent performance in each game is rewarded. New challenges in each game are just over the horizon. Golf and leadership, to be played well, require understanding and consistent practice of basic fundamentals.

What does your golf game reveal about you?

Pam Swensen is the CEO of the Executive Women’s Golf Association, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens. Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 80,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life.

To acquire and hone your golf skills, seek out a golf professional. One resource for golf programs is the PGA of America’s website at www.playgolfamerica.com. For females, the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) has 120 chapters throughout the United States offering new golfer clinics and numerous other player development programs as well as numerous golf, networking and social activities. See www.ewga.com

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