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Back and forth
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Photo illustration by Kelly Neis |
Unless you have laryngitis, hardly a day goes by that you don’t speak to another human. What is the most basic form of communication — one-on-one — should also be one of the easiest. However, when talking with an employer, green committee member or even a golfer, sometimes the process isn’t as simple as it seems.
Getting your message across about who you are and what you do doesn’t have to be mass communication with speeches, presentations to large groups or interviews with the media. It begins with telling your story to one or two people at a time (and then moving your way up).
Just because interpersonal communication can be so simple a toddler can do it doesn’t mean it isn’t a skill that can’t be improved upon. Interpersonal communication involves speech, nonverbal communication, questioning, listening and more.
If you find yourself shy, tongue-tied or unsure of yourself when communicating with key decision makers at your facility, think of it in a scientific way. You can look at key elements of speaking in the same way you consider key elements of your maintenance program. Some of the ways to improve your interpersonal communication skills include:
• Keeping it simple. Make sure the other person understands what you are talking about. If your new green chairman doesn’t understand the principles of aerification, keep the conversation on his or her level and try to educate as well as inform.
• Keeping emotions in check. If you speak in a neutral manner, the other person will take your lead. You may be upset that a frost delay was ignored, but if you stay even keeled, you are going to come off as calm and professional.
• Being all ears. Half of your role as a communicator is to be a good listener. If you listen to golfers’ needs, they will be more receptive to listening to yours.
• Asking the right questions. Am I understanding you correctly? Is what I said clear? By asking these simple questions, you show that you are concerned not only that you understand, but also that they understand you.
• What you don’t say says a lot. Nonverbal communication says just as much about you as your words. Make sure your posture, eye contact and facial expressions convey the message you want to send.
You are your own best advocate when it comes to promoting your role at your facility and your profession overall. Your advocacy can begin with small steps — one person at a time. For more information about improving your communication skills, contact GCSAA’s communications department at 800-472-7878.
The idea that your golf game can help advance your career may be widely accepted, but numbers now back it up. In a recent survey co-conducted by Golf for Women magazine that polled 1,000 women golfers, 73 percent said golf had helped them develop important business relationships. More than half of those surveyed said being able to talk knowledgeably about the game contributed to their success. Carmen Magro, CGCS, has taken on a new job as senior agronomist and director of education and training for Floratine Products. Previously, he served for more than two years as director of Penn State University’s golf course turfgrass management program. Prior to his stint at Penn State, Magro spent 12 years as a superintendent. He is a seven-year member of GCSAA. |
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