Friday, December 20, 2013

An exit interview

As we all get in to the Christmas spirit, often we find ourselves reflecting on the previous year - memories, accomplishments and challenges. I imagine it's a similar experience when you come to the end of your professional career, and I wanted to get some thoughts from a soon-to-be retired superintendent.

Mike Larsen, CGCS, has been the golf course superintendent at Woodmont Country Club in Maryland for 31 years. He is set to retire on Dec. 31, and we sat down to reflect on his career in the golf industry.

Q) What is one thing that made you successful over your career?

A) Surrounding myself with quality people. Attracting, training and retaining a quality staff.

Q) What is one thing that has made you successful in regards to being at one club for so long?

A) Staying current with advances in the turf industry. Staying proactive with current developments, science and business trends.

Q) If you had one piece of advice to give to a graduating turfer, what would it be?

A) You know, we have a lot of freedom with this job, and 80 percent of success is showing up. You have to be there everyday, leading your staff, setting the example. You have to give authority to your assistants, but there is a lot of decision making that you're the one that gets paid to do, and it's unfair to put it on your assistants. You have to be there, and you have to be visible. Also, if you make a mistake, admit it! Communication is key these days. Let members know what is going on, and if you make a mistake, own up to it.

Q) What is the most memorable work-related moment from your career?

A) I don't know that there's any single thing. One of the things I've enjoyed the most is hosting the sectional qualifying here for the last 27 years. It's been nice to hear the comments from the tour players and the quality golfers who play all over the country. It's nice to hear they enjoy the tournament and like the playing conditions.

Q) What's been the biggest challenge of your career?

A) Like everyone else, member expectations. Everything has changed: Equipment is better; superintendents are better trained; fertilizers are better; control materials are better; irrigation systems are better. We take advantage of all those advances, but I think that we are our own worst enemy sometimes in that player expectations go up, and they never go down. The nicer we make our golf courses, the more critical the members become.

Q) What's the craziest thing you have ever seen on a golf course?

A) Well, we had a broken water line near the pump house one day - the pump house sits in this valley. We were injecting wetting agent, and because of the leak, the whole valley filled with foam. It was UNBELIEVABLE! Filled the whole valley up. Thirty feet deep in some places! I didn't take a picture, but, OH MAN! Had to see it.

Q) What's the most rewarding moment in your career?

A) The people I've been able to meet and work with in the business - my staff. We have a terrific staff with very little turnover. They are the ones who deserve a lot of the credit. They get it done every day and on a day-to-day basis. Different departments within the club here, everyone gets along. It's a nice work atmosphere - being able to work for a great club who trust their professionals to do their job.

Q) Why did you decide to get your certification and become a CGCS?

A) Well, I think it's just another step in your professional development. I think too, that it means a lot to a club that is looking for a superintendent. It signifies that you have gone through the training and that you think it is important to advance your career.

Monday, December 9, 2013

The importance of mentoring

We've all had those one or two mentors who poured their personal and professional knowledge into us (and continue to do so) as we develop throughout our careers. They taught us the ins and outs of the business, showed us how to be successful, and provided references on our resumes. The impact of their tutelage on our respective journeys should not be undervalued.

Likewise, there are probably a few people whose influence may not have been as constant, but it did make an impression - they are the ones who offered that one piece of advice that's always stuck with you. Regardless of the route traveled, we can look back with 20/20 hindsight and identify those instances and people that positively influenced our careers. We realize that they surely did know what they were talking about, and we breathe a sigh of relief that we were smart (or lucky) enough to take their advice.

I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I spoke to the turf club students at PSU and Delaware Valley College. I was delighted at their engagement as they asked questions about my background and sought advice on several different fronts. I want to be an open book for these guys; and as I told them, "Don't ever hesitate to pick up the phone." These interactions are a reminder of the mentors who influenced me - people who went out of the way to invest their time on my behalf.

Opportunities surround us to become a mentor, or simply an uplifting voice and a supporter of students and fellow superintendents. We should invest in those opportunities, just like the mentors who took time to invest in us. For example, you could contact turf professors about getting involved with an internship program. Ask your staff what new things they are interested in learning about each season. Set a good example by thanking staff for their hard work and asking how their families are doing (this goes a long way). Contact your local turf club and offer to be a guest speaker. Take time to network with students at GIS and local conferences. Go out of your way to invite students and assistants to chapter events. And the list goes on.

You don't have to be a certain age or a certain experience level to be an influence on someone - simply a desire. After all, you never know the impact you might have.