Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/1051475
5. STAY HUMBLE & KEEP LEARNING As with all other business sectors, the golf industry is con- stantly evolving as it a empts to adjust its services to meet the needs of its customers (i.e., the public player and/or club members). The changing needs of these customers stem from the world in which they live, their personal and professional situa on, and how golf is priori zed within all the above. Consequently, golf professionals need to be constantly learn- ing, innova ng, and improving the services they offer to keep up to the pace of change and meet the ever-changing expec- ta ons of their customers. The ability of aspiring golf professionals to con nually learn is rooted in their personal belief that 'being successful' must involve stretching oneself to learn something new. The status quo is never good enough. The Head Teaching Professionals interviewed pointed to nu- merous examples where they self-assessed their strengths and weaknesses, asked for feedback from others, and then took concrete steps to address any shortcomings They described failure as not fulfilling their poten al as a Teaching Professional (i.e., to be the best they can be). Given their mindset, they admi ed they look to hire and/or promote aspiring professionals who impress them by: working hard, taking calculated risks, making mistakes but who are open to feedback and who will quickly learn and adapt. And not to learn just simple or ordinary things, but tackle and learn the most difficult tasks associated with the role. Simply put, as an aspiring professional, you can not be afraid of looking stupid as you try new things and grow in your role. Your focus needs to be on learning, on becoming more capable and not whether others perceive you to be successful or not. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to do great work is to be happy and love what you do. -- Steve Jobs 23 I no ced that a lot of assistants, when they become head professionals, stop learning and they stop progressing. They expect their assistants to do everything for them. In this business you have to keep working hard to keep on top of all the changes happening in the business. -- Colin Orr An aspiring teaching pro has to keep learning and improving just like their students…I did a yoga retreat and it fundamentally changed how I viewed myself…my iden ty…and consequently how I approach my students…I feel that I am far more effec ve today as a result of challenging myself to learn and grow. -- Megan Chapman You are only as good as the progress your students/players are making…if one of my players have a set-back… its on me…and therefore I have to be able to reflect and figure out what I need to do differently next me…I'm the first to admit that even though I'm the na onal team coach…I am constantly learning and changing. -- Derek Ingram