I had previously submitted this article for The Florida Green but wanted to express these thoughts to a broader following. Hopefully the message resonates and is beneficial.

Just recently, I was scrolling through my Twitter account and I stumbled across a tweet from GCSAA Immediate Past President, Darren Davis, CGCS. It was a picture from his college notes from around 1990 of a presentation by the late Stanley Zontek, USGA Agronomist. In the post, you can see Darren’s notes where Mr. Zontek relayed, “the number 1 reason superintendents lose their jobs is not from dead grass but rather from their people relation skills...”

I reflected upon this for a moment and thought that I couldn't agree more with this idea. I have been blessed to serve as the GCSAA regional representative for nearly 11 years now and know that any success that I may enjoy in this position is not based on my golf skills or on my agronomic background (those that have played golf with me know this to be true!). Rather, I like to think that I can relate with our members and the issues with which they are dealing. I try to be as approachable and responsive as possible. More importantly, I have a great support group back in Lawrence (the best team of which I have been a part) that enables me to assist in a timely, professional manner.

Responsiveness, communication skills, and a strong team are also beneficial for the golf course superintendent. Being approachable, especially when things may not be going their best, is essential. Be present and willing to answer questions about the course at all times so you are their source of the information because you are the expert. Do not leave questions unanswered and open to other’s interpretation. Communicate the truth and deliver the message in professional fashion and you may be surprised with the positive reactions you get.

Also, humility goes a long way. I recall that whenever I would receive a compliment on the course conditions or a successful event, I would always defer to the team around me and state that I appreciated the compliment and I would be sure to relay it to the team as they had been working very hard and were responsible for the success. I see a lot of that type of sentiment in social media content and believe it is the best way to acknowledge the efforts of others around you.

With the knowledge that people skills are just as important as agronomic principles, I would urge you to participate in any GCSAA / FGCSA events that may help you sharpen your communication and leadership abilities. Both associations have your professional development as the focus of their programs.

We at GCSAA have just unveiled two new certificates as part of the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series which builds beyond the business and agronomy of golf courses. One area of emphasis is placed on environmental stewardship and the other focus is that of golf course leadership and communications. The content for our professional development courses for our members does stress the concepts of business and communication and leadership skills.

We also have programs like The Melrose Leadership Academy which is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation and supports the continued education and leadership training for golf course superintendents. In addition, there is the EXCEL Leadership Program which is funded by Nufarm and administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf offering leadership training for personal, career, and community/industry stewardship for assistant superintendents.

The ability to produce excellent playing conditions is a skill that is essential. However, there are many factors out of the superintendent’s control with which they must contend. One’s ability to successfully communicate during the tough times may well be the more important attribute to possess. I believe the lessons that Stanley Zontek relayed to Darren and his classmates in 1990 are even more essential today with the many forms of communication that exist and the need for the superintendent to stay in front of the message. Do not fall victim to poor communication; rather, take advantage of the numerous educational offerings available to you at the national, state, and local levels. Communicate, be heard, and remain humble!