PGA of Canada

CONCLUSION TWO MOVING SOMEPLACE NEW Searching for and accep ng new challeng- es in different types of clubs (ex: private versus resort), especially in the early years of one's career, was strongly recommended by those Head Professionals interviewed. On average, each head professional inter- viewed had five different roles, in different loca ons, prior to se ling on their current role. They were not afraid to move and this took them out of their comfort zone and forced them to adapt to the culture and prac ces of the new club. The challenges associated with this adapta on process resulted in the following key learnings: a.) A realiza on what worked at their previous club didn't necessarily work at their new loca on and had to be altered or adapted to fit their new circumstances. This internal reflec on process was extremely helpful to refining exis ng skills and building new capabili es. b.) Each new role seemed to result in an increase of scope and responsibility (or at least it felt this way). A normal career typically involves several job changes in which increases in scope is part of the deal. Proac vely looking for and accep ng opportuni es to move to a new club accelerated the development of skills specifically related to: self or me management, delega ng responsibili es, and coaching others. These challenges are seldom found in one's current posi on once the Professional has se led in and becomes comfortable. c.) New roles, in new clubs, resulted in a loss of important social/poli cal connec ons within the club's hierarchy. This forced the head professional to draw on their observa on and influencing skills as they worked to rebuild their personal rela onship power within the club. These situa ons required the professional to draw upon and refine his/her 'emo onal intelligent' skills. In par cular, those skills related to reading / rela ng to others and forming new rela onships; both were highlighted as cri cal leadership skills required for long-term success in the golf industry. I strongly recommend that all young Assistant Pros, before their life gets too complicated, consciously move to a new club every 3 years…no ma er how good they have it…experience public, resort, private, elite, etc,…look for the best person in the best club and just go… don't worry about your status as these experiences will give you broader knowledge and perspec ves that will help you later on. -- Alan Palmer Once I got away from my home town and was removed from my comfort zone is when I started to figure things out. -- Cory Kartusch CAREER MAPPING: AN INVESTIGATIVE LOOK AT THE CAREER TRANSITIONS OF PGA OF CANADA HEAD PROFESSIONALS

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