Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/892321
CONCLUSION THREE FINDING A MENTOR Why is having a mentor important to an as- piring golf professional? Because learning about how to be an effec- ve manager or leader, whether it be in golf or any industry, is not something that a per- son can do alone. Building on a point raised above, all 10 of the Head Professionals interviewed could cite people who took a long-term interest in them and provided honest performance feedback and important career advice. Referred to as a mentor, these individuals all had a powerful effect on the Head Profes- sionals' beliefs, skills, confidence and career decision-making. However, it is one thing to want a mentor; another thing to get one and it is s ll something else to keep one. This group of Head Professionals were successful at not only ge ng a mentor but also sustaining their rela onship over the long term. They men oned the importance of being able to foster a trus ng rela onship with their mentors and se ng a climate where ques ons and feedback flowed easily between the two. When ques oned on how they built these rela onships, they described how they would be honest about what they were thinking, why they took the ac ons they did, and most importantly, about their skills and abili es and what they did or did not know. Successful Head Professionals were surpris- ingly humble and this allowed them to take responsibility for their ac ons, avoid blaming others, and to work diligently to incorporate the feedback received from their mentors and try not to make the same mistake twice. Even when the mentor's feedback was direct and cri cal the Head Professionals described how they managed their emo- ons, didn't get defensive and would sim- ply listen. When you combine all these trust-building behaviors, the Head Profes- sionals actually encouraged their mentors (and likely others around them) to provide them with even more feedback. During high-school I worked at a local club and met the Head Professional who became like a second father to me…he had a significant influence and guided my development within the game. -- Dale Schienbein Find the best pro out there and develop a mentoring rela onship with them…working around the best people in the best clubs you're bound to learn. -- Dean Manz Work for someone that is known to be a good mentor and good at running a business, leading change, etc, stay quiet, listen and learn. -- Miles Mortensen CAREER MAPPING: AN INVESTIGATIVE LOOK AT THE CAREER TRANSITIONS OF PGA OF CANADA HEAD PROFESSIONALS