Golfdom, June 2011

From the Back Tees OPINION L earning more can lead to more than just growing your turfgrass It can lead to growing your résumé your credibility and your intellect My best learning experiences include my college years B A Geology military service U S Coast Guard time in graduate school and experience teaching junior high science Eventually I made my way to the golf industry I was on construction and grow in crews in the early days and began my Disney golf career with a shovel and a rake edging bunkers Along the way I became a CGCS and served as president of the Central Florida and Florida GCSA chapters Each one of those experiences gave me an opportunity to master new skills And some gave me very formal training At each stop along the way I met peers who brought their own knowledge and experience to the classroom and workplace The color and richness of those personal experiences gave form and perspective to the academic facts and figures of whatever specialty or task I was involved in at the time Whether your turf knowledge comes from work experience on the job with a respectable mentor or from some of our highly regarded turf programs at universities around the country youre learning the most current information available In todays world technical knowledge continues to change rapidly with research and development so continuing education in turf management and business is a must if one is to be successful Whether you are promoted in house or graduate magna cum laude the reality check comes when your duties and responsibilities change and you have to blend agronomy communications and business management skills as a team leader or department head Back in the day we looked to books for information Now with the advent of local professional chapters networking between superintendents and suppliers became another reliable source of information along with the Internet blogs Facebook Twitter and smart phones But technology is not a substitute for human 12 Golfdom June 2011 The More You Know the More You Grow contact and bonding which is so important in our profession And it is equally important to learn proper business and social etiquette Todays technology enables us to be increasingly mobile and find information quickly but nothing says sincerity and good manners like a returned call or a hand written thank you note Making a good impression as a well mannered person also builds your collateral as a worthwhile go to person At local regional and national meetings and conferences opportunities abound for making new contacts who may one day be the connection you need for a job change or promotion To help you stay on top of your game the latest technical information is available in education sessions But its at receptions banquets and private dinners that you can rekindle old friendships and develop new ones Dont sequester yourself from opportunities to mix and mingle When youre trying to balance your family life and work take advantage of unique learning experiences outside of golf to expand your interests At the very least you should attend as many local chapter meetings and events as possible to keep up with the latest news and recharge yourself We all know superintendents and suppliers who are in the know and have built a network of contacts from coast to coast They didnt attain their knowledge simply by working hard from dawn to dusk They built their careers on a multi faceted desire for deeper knowledge and personal growth They did it by being actively involved in their associations meeting new people and welcoming the opportunity to learn new things You can too Dont sequester yourself from opportunities to mix anD mingle take aDvantage of unique learning experiences outsiDe of golf Certified Superintendent Joel Jackson is executive director of the Florida GCSA BY JOE L JACKSON