Motivation: How do you keep it going?

I was conversing with a young CPGA professional the other night on Facebook chat and he asked me, "Doug, how do you keep the golf services staff motivated all season long?" Well I thought about it for a bit and responded by giving him a few of "key" points. 

1. Set your expectations at the start: By this I mean to have a simple 15 - 20 minute meeting 1 on 1 with each of the staff under your supervision to find out their motivation for taking the job in the first place. You need to understand is it money driven? Does the person just want to play golf? Do they see a career in golf? Finding out where they are coming from is essesntial to then understand how to interact with them throughout the year. 

2. Give them YOUR expectations: In this meeting let them know that you expect them to have a certain level of service, consistency, and dedication for the entire year. (Of course you do this AFTER they have given you their expectations from you) You need to have the line drawn in the sand so they know what where it is and how far they have until they cross it. 

3. The biggest point, and one I have found to be very successful in the management of millenials and those just entering the workforce, is to build a relationship with them. Include them in conversations, ask them what they did last night, how was their golf game the other day, there are many ways to interact without coming across fake or like you are doing it because you have to. This makes them feel included, part of the team, and they will be more likely to do anything for you the next time you ask (no matter how awful it may be) just for taking some time to ask a few questions. 

I really think that you need to develop a sense of timing and understanding when to teach, coach, mentor, reward and reprimand. This comes with practice. But don't be afraid to make a mistake. Mistakes need to be made so that you can learn from them and improve. 

This picture sums it up:

You don't always have to play the part of the Commander in Chief. One of the best quotes I have ever heard / read came from author John C. Maxwell - "When you relinguish the desire for power and acceptance, your ability to become a leader increases."

So I leave you with this question: Who did you inspire today? - Doug

Comments

[Bradley Lawrence]

Thanks again for talking the other night Doug! I had my initial back shop staff meeting today. I gave them all a peice of paper with a question on it.

The question was simply: Why do you work at Mississaugua?

The answers were suprising. I'll share them with you on Tuesday.

[RJG]

You must also get the staff involved in the business and ask for feedback on how to improve the efficiency of the operation. Delegate tasks to the staff; have them organize a tournament,or have them set a marketing program to increase sales. The more engaged and involved the staff is in the operation the greater sense of self worth they have, ensuring they will be motivated to succeed.