As Jim mentioned in his blog, we were kindly invited to go play golf by Garth Prentice, the general manager of the division of Shawcor we are placed currently. A great day was had by all and, despite numerous games and side bets, the proceedings ended without any cash changing hands (neither a source or use). In hindsight a draw was the fair result, however, it got me thinking about how playing golf has sometimes allowed me to have an unfair advantage in business.

On several occasions in my career, I have been invited to golf days and events that other non-golfing colleagues have missed out on. I’ve met many significant business people and formed personal ties and relationships with them. I can think of at least two occasions where I was placed in a consultancy assignment through a conversation I had on the golf course. Up until this point, reading this would suggest that golfers have an unfair advantage over non golfers in business, and to an extent I would say that is true, as long as the target contact/relationship also enjoys golf. However, I feel that the more important point is that having social and personal skills, hobbies and passions away from the office are key in providing the common-ground platform to do business - either with a new person in your network, or with an existing person with whom you needed an excuse to catch up.

I always enjoy finding out that someone I'm doing business with enjoys golf, not only because of the opportunity to spend time building a better relationship doing something fun, but by observing how someone approaches golf, or any passion or hobby, gives an insight into how that person may approach most things in their life. My assertion is that successful people are generally better golfers, footballers, bowlers, pool players etc... than the average Joe. Driven and passionate people find it difficult to be an A player in the office and a B or C player on the green. The reverse logic applies - someone who has practiced hard enough to become good at golf will generally work harder to succeed in the office. Being good at golf creates more opportunities - As a decent golfer, my boss would often want me to play in his team - and so the "success-spiral" begins.

As an employee, it is important to find common ground to create opportunities. As a leader, it is important to look at what individuals do outside of work, as well as how they do it, to get a flavour for their drive and passion. For better or for worse, I'd be tempted to pick the guy with the better handicap!

(Just to amuse you all, here's a piccy from the golf on Sunday!)

Si