A Winning Team for 2016

by John Keyser

I had an enlightening conversation two weeks ago with a profit center leader at Billy Casper Golf about the results of his area of responsibilities in 2015. Billy Casper Golf is the premiere company in the golf course management field.

He had replaced the previous manager of this important operation of his company. I say important, as it is large and visible, acknowledging that, of course, all operations are important.

The 2015 financial results of this operation are much improved.

I asked how he accomplished this turnaround. I loved his thoughtful response:

• He asked each of his team members, “If you owned this facility, what would you do differently?” He received many helpful ideas, and people respected him for asking.
• He communicated daily with his team to improve the culture of his area of responsibility – everyone clearly understands their mission, strategy and priorities. There is now consistency, which he values.
• He has created a culture in which ideas are encouraged – everyone’s ideas!
• There is extensive training and support, which sets people up for success. Everyone wants to do well.
• It is understood that this is a culture of positive energy, and positive energy only. No talking behind someone’s back. In fact, he encourages everyone to genuinely support one another. They have each other’s back.

This conversation was heartwarming to me. This true leader wants no personal credit. It was all about the team, the team members!

Significantly, this leader brings his team members together and asks them to discuss what they feel he could do better. He then leaves the room so they may speak candidly. Afterwards, they present their ideas.

This is a clear sign of this leader’s true humility and inner-confidence.

It reminds me of hearing about another regional leader within Billy Casper Golf who had done the same thing, had asked his team members about how he could improve his leadership effectiveness and then left the room. His team member who told me about this said that he was so taken by the humility and sincerity of this leader that he actually welled up, had tears in his eyes, tears of admiration and gratitude.

This is what creates a culture of support and continuous improvement!

So many companies today have goals relating solely to financial results. Certainly, we must have growth and profitability goals. Recognize though, that we achieve our goals thanks to our team members.

Going forward, let’s make half of our goals our support of our people. Let’s encourage their learning, growth and happiness. Yes, happiness. Happy team members do better work. Study after study proves this.

I hope these messages about team leadership inspire you as they have inspired me, to strive to further improve our leadership going into 2016.