Faith in the leadership process

The golf industry offseason for a great portion of the country is an ideal time to take a step back and investigate cultural, relational and organizational goals for the following year and beyond.

The following rhetorical questions are often asked, and attempts are made at redefining our strategy and guidance to LEAD:

• What’s worked in the past?
• How can I affirm our personnel with a supporting framework?
• How can I improve the trajectory of our management team to facilitate the goals of our organization?

The above questions and countless other attempts to instill, improve and refine cultural and operational improvements are based on the leadership of those individuals in an organization who are tasked, officially or unofficially, at qualitatively and quantitatively defining the leading vision.

We were those guys. All-in, full send, the living breathing cliché. We looked to others to define our leadership capabilities, characteristics and tactics. From Nick Saban to David Goggins, to political figures, to Kobe Bryant and Muhammad Ali, and many more, we sought leadership answers from leaders in the public eye. There’s nothing wrong with this approach. In fact, when the embodiment of the values and principles of those frequently quoted individuals is effectually put into place, it frequently works. People resonate with the message, and when it comes from a credible source it carries that much more gravitas.

So please, if that is still working, lean in. In no way, shape or form are we downplaying or remotely judging that approach. We were the poster boys for it and still are to some extent. And we think it worked. Artwork and murals on the walls, bracelets, videos. You name it, we did it. It was not only meaningful, it was fun.

But what if we find our leadership from someone else? Someone who is undefeated. Someone who is always there to lend a guiding word, principal or verse? A higher power, so to speak. Someone omniscient, ever-present and all-knowing? Someone who left us a playbook of leadership with unmatched clarity? This person authored the best-selling, most-read leadership book of all time.

We think you follow our drift at this point. We know we’re often not allowed to speak or write about faith. But if you’ve learned anything about reading our columns, we were given just enough leash to tactfully break the rules.

Let’s go full circle to the opening paragraph. If you haven’t noticed it recently, we’d argue you’re not paying attention. Faith has begun and is aggressively permeating our culture: sports, coaches and prominent figures. The people we often look to for leadership are now more than ever proud, overt and direct in where they obtain inspiration and leadership aspirations. And it’s often a greater power. No longer does faith and the impact it has on us as individuals, our goals, our objectives, our methods and our values take a back seat to culture.

Instead of looking to a worldly source for leadership, look to your faith. We feel confident you will not be disappointed. And if you’re already there, we encourage you to speak about it, openly and confidently. We think you’ll be surprised about the positiveness, response and impact it will have on your ability to become a true leader.

It can feel awkward and vulnerable to weave a faith component into professional leadership, specifically in the workplace. However, if it is rooted in a place of understanding, inclusivity and acceptance, no matter what faith you subscribe to, the message should be well received.

We’re not advocating preaching and lecturing to your colleagues. But, personally, if you can find a posture of love and forgiveness flanked with strength and purpose, your leadership will undoubtedly empower, support and guide your organization.

If this message resonates with you, you know it. And if it doesn’t, perhaps you should give it a try.

Dave Delsandro and Jeff Corcoran are former superintendents and co-founders of Agronomic Advisors, a consulting firm that assists and advises industry professionals on every aspect of golf course management. Contact them at dave@agro-advisors.com and jeff@agro-advisors.com.