Page 20 - GreenMaster summer 2023

friend of mine gave me advice that I should change my mindset from “needing a good reason to make a big move” to “needing a good reason NOT to make a big move.” The best part about this advice is that our industry is one of the best to make these moves.
Right now, there are entry-level positions, all the way to management level roles available in almost any corner of the world, (that can grow turf.) This realisation has allowed me to travel to new places and expand my network of mentors, again compounding my own exposure to different leadership styles. This is especially relevant to younger members of the industry that are looking to grow their own careers. “Nothing will fast track learning like uncomfortable situations.”
While it may seem like a cliche, the most important thing I have learned so far in my relatively short career is that being anyone other
than yourself is a quick way to lose respect as a leader. Being yourself can be difficult, however being a “robot” is unsustainable to personal wellbeing. Representing yourself as a confident professional is vitally important to our profession, especially in golf, but equally as important is being yourself.
THE VALUE OF MENTORSHIP
As a new generation of Turf Managers start to move up in the industry, it is essential that we continue to do our part in mentoring those who show passion for the job. In our small Turf industry, our most successful leaders attribute success to a diverse list of personal mentors that have taught them the ins and outs of agronomy, team management and life as a Superintendent/ Course Manager.
Can you think of the seasonal team member who shows promise as someone that could be a leader in our field? What is the best advice
that you ever received from a mentor? If vacant Assistant Superintendent openings are to be filled, our number one priority should be to show our most dependable team members that there are promising opportunities in our industry and that they are very attainable.
Our talent in growing high quality turfgrass is well known, but can high quality people be developed as well? These conversations will often open the door for an opportunity for you to mentor new talent in our industry. I would encourage you to take that opportunity. You may learn something new and can share your experience and insight with the next generation, who are eager to contribute to the profession that we love so much. GM
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20 • CGSA • GreenMaster
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