While we are not quite ready for golf in Central Oregon, we can prepare for the season. We can start to think about the results we want from our operations. But before you get too far along in your thinking, I want to offer a perspective on obtaining results in your organization that I gained from reading a book called “Oh Great One” by David Novak.
It comes from the power of recognition. As I have talked about the power of recognition through the years, I get asked which comes first, results or recognition? That’s like the old question, which comes first, the chicken or the egg. In reality, do we really care? I like to think of recognition as a cycle.
The book “Oh Great One” by David Novak, the CEO of Yum Brands focuses on recognizing recognition. The book describes how he used recognition to turn around a company that was losing market share, was not profitable, and had sinking morale. There was a new CEO who, as you can imagine, was desperate for results. His grandson gave him a birthday present that changed everything. The CEO did not want to be called Grandpa or Grand-dad, so he announced that he would be called Oh Great One, which he later shortened to OGO. His grandson gave him a jar with OGO on the front filled with numerous slips of paper from family members. Each piece of paper had a statement of gratitude written on it. The fictitious CEO was deeply moved by this gesture and started thinking about how good it made him feel. The long and short of this story is that he started a recognition program in the company, which led to a huge turnaround. It wasn’t as easy as I make it sound, but you will see how he did it if you read the book.
Recognition is not just for companies that are doing poorly and need to turn around. Recognition leads to results in the greatest of organizations. One of the things we have initiated at Aspen Lakes in the golf shop is an OGO Award.
Our award is not a management award. Anyone in the department can select someone for the award. The awardee has to have done something Great, leading to Great results.
Please think about ways to use recognition for your organizations’ results and remember, two of the most powerful words are “Thank you.” There’s no scarcity for saying thank you; you can’t run out no matter how many times you use them.
I hope you can read or listen to “Oh Great One.” And if you have questions, give me a shout. I’d love to share how recognition that you gave someone led to great results in a future newsletter!
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section