That's the Boss on the Tee and She is in My Foursome!
Today golf is played by most executives and on the course is where networking happens and business relationships are formed. Also, today there are women that fill these executive roles and many have started to play golf for business purposes. Notably a womens group of executives banded together and have thousands of members across the country in the Executive Women's Golf Association. Not too many years ago golf was primarily a mans sport and when women started taking over high positions in the work force, they did not consider playing golf as part of their job. Most women that hold these jobs are very responsible people and they have felt their time was more productive in the office.(Interesting observation about priorities.)Today golf for women is far more popular and the female executives realize the importance of the business relationships gained on the golf course. And they have the same priveleges and perogatives as men. More and more woman golfers have attended golf schools and have had their own specific seminars on how to handle themselves on the links! Men -Don't be surprised at the relative sophistication you might observe in your foursome! Many men are surprised when one of their foursome is a woman, and especially if it is their boss. Men can and do react in several ways some positive some negative.Assuming a more gentlemen-like demeanor should be foremost.Trying to impress the female executive is probably counter productive.The macho golf man may win the attention, but not the good graces of his work superior. A more productive attitude might well be-just act naturally.The men who act more like gentlemen than they normally would on a golf course do so because they are used to being respectful to women in other circumstances.Your female boss may have the authority and power,but underneath is a sensitivity which men dare not abuse!
On the golf course men normally tell jokes, drink alcohol, make bets and do other things they would not necessarily do in the company of a respected woman. Having a woman in their foursome should put them in the frame of mind of acting respectful as they would in any another social setting. Many men think golf for women is great but co-ed golf is a new venture for them.
Male chauvinism is not a smart attitude, even if your boss wants to be competitive. If you must win then do it with grace and charm. Hear that guys?
Don't show off,even if you are a superior player. because one knows and applies the fundamentals of golf better, and is much more accustomed to playing is no excuse.The 18 holes of golf should be viewed as a day full of opportunities for the woman to see some athleticism, gather insights into her golfing skills and hopefully improve her knowledge about the employees who work for her.
At its core, golf is known as a game of character and if you must impress your boss, then show your character in its best light.
Most men by now are not bothered by the above situations at all. The advent of the scramble competition has opened great new opportunities for the handicap challenged.They probably play at their own club with other avid golfers who are women or their wife or sister has taken up the sport. These men will likely enjo women's coats y the day more than anyone since they will simply play the game of golf as they would at any business function. Their behavior should display their real business and social personality.This allowing the boss to get to know her subordinates better.The almost laid-back behavior will also make the female boss feel more comfortable with the business day and look forward to future golf outings for all employees.When men carried wooden clubs they could be invulnerable, but the golf club is a humbling instrument-so beware!
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