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33 Thus, a con nuous cycle of trial and error, reflec on, feedback and learning is perpetuated (see Figure 2). FIGURE 2. Experien al learning process SET G O A L : E X P ER I E N C E : AD J U ST G O A L : W ha t does ' good ' l ook li k e D o s o m e t h i ng B ea ri ng i n m i nd you r r eflec on s Th i nk abou t w ha t you d i d R E CE I V E FEE DB A C K & REFLE CT By remaining humble, avoiding self-promo on and ac vely seeking developmental feedback from a respected mentor, these Head Professionals not only a racted but sustained the long- term mentor rela onships that were so important to their career success. RECOMMENDATION: FIND A MENTOR WHO WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE AND HELP YOU LEARN Learning from experience is not an individual sport. All Head Professionals interviewed, either knowingly or unknowingly, created a context for learning that included se ng the condi ons that encouraged others – direct reports, peers, and supervisors – to provide them with direct and honest feedback on their performance. In par cular, they benefited from establishing a long-term rela onship with at least one respected golf professional who typically resides at the club and is able to observe them in ac on. Referred to as mentors, these individuals not only show an interest in the aspiring professional's career, but also provide targeted, performance-related feedback over the long-term. The ability to receive performance-rich feedback focused on how things were done versus the outcome of one's ac on is key. While the outcome acts as an important measuring s ck, what drives deep, transforma onal learning are discussions that 'go to the core': discussions that unearth why did things happen the way they did, what impact did the aspiring professional have, and what, if anything, could be done differently moving forward. Current head professional, who act as mentors, have a key role in helping aspiring professionals establish realis c career goals, assess their current skills-set, design or select what specific development would be best given the situa on. However, as this research has highlighted, it is impera ve that Head Professionals take the me to facilitate a post-experience debrief that encourages honest and accurate self-assessment and personal reflec on. It is only through this last step that fundamental learning and career growth can occur.

