Golf: Golfing Reveals Character & Tendencies

Golfing or at least the word "golfing" has become sort of a cliche in the modern business world. Why? Most businessmen and business women enjoy an afternoon on the links. The sport is a challenge, and it is a rewarding social time.

Golf is an icebreaker as well - a great way to get to know a business asociate, client, or potential co-worker. However, amid the cliche, many people seem to have forgotten the important lessons one can learn about another on the golf course.

Just as you can know a world about someone by knowing if they smoke or not, by actually watching and communicating with someone during a round of golf you can possibly learn even more. How?

Extrapolate their tendencies on the course into real life, observe generalities. Examples? Please read on.

Does the golfing buddy "give you" four-foot putts, and expect you to do the same? Six-footers? What might this tell you about them in business?

Are they courteous and ask about your game, or do they focus on themselves and getting to their ball quickly? Is it all about the golf game, or do they care about learning about you and your family? Exactly what is their small talk? Do they gossip? What does this demonstrate about them as a person?

Do they bet? Do they cheat on their score, or seem to forget strokes? Do they omit penalty strokes? Do they play by the exact rules? Hit Mulligans? Will they behave this way in business matters?

Do they hit out of turn? Talk while you play your shot? Cuss or get mad on the course? Constantly talk about their swing or game? You get the idea. What are the parameters in which they might conduct their business lives? What are their manners, morals, or ethics?

A single round of golf or two with someone can be extremely revealing, if you pay attention and know what to look and listen for. Be congenial and friendly, but remain observant and later apply what you have learned! Golf can detail an awful lot about character and tendencies.

~ Jimmy Hall is owner of Jimmy Hall Writing Services (404-580-1501). He can be reached for assistance with business plans, resumes, web content, papers, letters, and other projects...