Wow… I am envious of the teams that participated in our Pelzer Golf Hawaiian Paradise Pro-Am! Sunny skies and warm temperatures are appealing. A special thanks to all our sponsors that made this a great event. Vegas is right around the corner in March; I am sure our sponsor, Grant Holcomb, has a great event planned as well.
Budgets are done at the Section and Chapter levels, programs and events are being finalized, and we are excited to celebrate our 100th anniversary as the best Section in the PGA of America.
2022 will present many challenges; hopefully, Covid-19 will find its way into the rearview mirror. But I think Covid has also forced many of us to think more about our workplaces. We are all seeing the impact of the “Great Resignation.” I recently read an interesting article in the “Harvard Business Review” that addresses two of my favorite areas, Inclusion and Belonging.
The company EY Inclusion surveyed 1,000 American adults about “belonging.” Not surprising, most people look to their homes first (62%) as the place with the greatest sense of belonging. The workplace is next at (34%), more than neighborhood communities (19%) and places of worship (17%). Creating workplace communities is imperative. I am going to suggest a simple solution on a way to help with this. Check in with your colleagues. A simple, “How are you doing today?” “Anything I can help you with?” The survey found that 39% of respondents feel the greatest sense of belonging when their colleagues checked in with them personally and professionally. This was true across genders and age groups. The critical piece in checking in, no surprise, was listening. If you ask someone how they are doing, be prepared to listen if they decide to share. Remember, you are not asking because you want to share your sage wisdom. Just simply listen to them.
As we get ready for another busy season, I want to share one last thing ‒ make your workplace fun. You all know about OGO (Oh Great One); I won’t belabor the value. It has created a lot of fun and energy in our shop.
I decided to steal an idea I read in President Obama’s book A Promised Land. There is a part in the book where he is scheduled to visit some community organizers. It had been a long day on the campaign trail; he was tired and not looking forward to the meeting. With people milling around and not much energy in the room, a woman walked in and shouted “Fired Up!” The crowd responded with “Ready to go!” This was repeated several times. President Obama commented on how the energy in the room immediately went up. I tried it, and it works. Anyone on our staff can do it if they feel we don’t have the energy we need to be the best we can be. The caveat is you have to yell it. FIRED UP! You have to mean it and have purpose in your voice.
I am confident our 100th year as a Section will be our best yet!
As always, please stay safe, reach out, and contact someone you have not seen or talked to in a while.
Thank you for your time and all that you do,
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section