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1. Jason Pierce

   

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   10/16/2012 1:10 PM

   I remember how exciting it was to be invited by my Superintendent to join them at a meeting to receive a scholarship for school. (Hog Neck, MD crab feast!! Yeh baby!!) It was always an honor to be invited anywhere with the group of people with the positions I strived for. So fired up if it was a beer or fishing after work or a tournament or meeting. I would polish my clubs the night before..couldn't wait…Great stuff! I would do anything to go, spend money I didn't have, sit through seminars, work overtime to make up for it just to be involved with the industry excitement etc…Has anyone had someone turn down an offer to go with the group, (that for me I looked forward to so much) because it may require some effort. Heaven forbid if they may have to buy a round or drive their own vehicle, even when gas is offered? A nice free dinner, a beer or two, the majority of the day away, I guess… just isn't good enough anymore, if it's not perfectly convenient it's not worth it to them. "I'm not going for just one day", but if you get me a hotel room I'll go. Really? Is it today's Kids that have been given too much and spoiled and now expect everything? or simply lack of interest. Wow! Do I need to change my expectations, beat my head against the wall to understand kids (as old as 30 +) of today or continue to boast my "old school, work ethic and morals" or submit to it. Is it bad hires? Maybe I'm getting too old to understand at 44?? Is it supposed to be like this now? Are the times just passing me by? Like my Dad used to say...what's the world coming to with these kids, I miss him terribly, but I'm glad he doesn't have to bear witness. Haha

   
   
   
   
2. Border Ricky H

   
   10/16/2012 1:10 PM

   I would like to know if this person is a quality employee or not. Sounds like a lack of commitment, passion, work ethic, intelligence. Lack of commitment for not making time. Lack of passion for not making it a priority. Lack of work ethic because well it is for "work". And finally a lack of intelligence for not understanding that he would learn a ton from more experienced brethren of the turf.
   
   Rick Border
   Oglebay Resort
   Wheeling, WV

   
   
   
   
3. Brent Venenga

   

   0 posts
   
   10/16/2012 3:10 PM

   Jason, I could have typed that word for word a few days ago. Great post.

   
   
   
   
4. Rosenthal Gregg

   
   10/16/2012 6:10 PM

   Jason,
   
   I agree with Bret you hit a home run! I cant count how many times during my career in the Mid-Atlantic I was there At Hog Neck also enjoying the Crab fest! As a Maryland Native now in the Mid-West people don't even come close to understanding our love for those lovely Maryland Crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. After overcoming my own battle with epilepsy I do understand what it takes just to enjoy life and keep the grass green for golfers to enjoy, work with others as part of the team as now I am Assistant loving life!
   
   Gregg Rosenthal
   RGCC

   
   
   
   
5. Keith Fellenstein

   

   0 posts
   
   10/17/2012 11:10 AM

   The world and our industry are comprised of all types of people. Just because you perceive someone doesn't share your elevated level of passion and enthusiasm doesn't mean they can't be a great employee. There are many different opportunties out there to gain the knowledge to be effective. If this particular event is that important to you, why not offer to cover some or all of the expense yourself? Or another way to make it easier to attend? or make it mandatory? I was one of those fanatics that thought I was somehow better because of the sacrifices we make (time, money, etc)The longer I'm in the business, the more I realize it's just a job, and I regret many of things I missed out on because of my "passion" and commitment. Balance is the key, so don't be so hard on the guy(s). Besides, if you are worried about the quality of your hires, this industry has a way of weeding out those that truly don't belong.

   
   
   
   
6. Verdun Scott M

   
   10/22/2012 8:10 AM

   Great post Jason,
   
   As I am in the age range you have experienced disappointment with (I'm 32) it makes me question things as well. I was fortunate to work as an Assistant where my boss would allow me to attend events with industry guys, some were association events others were just casual gatherings. I too was always thrilled at the opportunity to attend and meet others in the industry and I've now had 2 assistants who regularly turn down the opportunity to do the same.
   
   I try to be proactive in finding events for the Assistants to attend that will be beneficial to them as well as to the club. I don't consider it a sacrifice to go on company time to an educational event where the company pays mileage and fuel; nor do I think it should be optional if it's an education opportunity that could benefit the club.
   
   I feel the same frustration and have had to change my mentality in dealing with these situations.