Decision Making and Golf

Dragon’s Den Inspiration
Last week’s season finale of Dragon’s Den included insights into each of the Dragons – “their secrets to success, what it takes to get to the top, and what keeps them driven to succeed.” The episode is worth a watch if you need a little business inspiration this spring. Watching the episode also reminded me of a great book that I read (and still have) written by Jim Treliving. I re-read the last chapter again and thought that this blog was worth a re-post.

Decisions by Jim Treliving
Little did I know when I bought a copy of Decisions signed by Jim Treliving himself at an event in Vancouver that it would end with a chapter on golf. I also didn’t know how fascinating I would find Jim’s Story and how much great business advice the book would impart. If you are an entrepreneur and have not read this book, you should.

Business and Golf are a lot alike
One line that I will not forget is “a good golf game and a successful business are each the result of a series of solid decisions”. Sounds simple right? But as we all know neither golf or owning your own business are simple endeavours. What this quote does remind me is to make one decision at a time, stick with it and move onto the next. One good decision at a time a makes good business (or golf game). “If I make a wrong decision, I’ll make adjustments at the next hole. I want to win, but I can only do it one hole at a time”.

Golf is also a great way to get to know someone you are thinking about doing business with. “Playing golf with a person, you find out what they’re like under stress. You see how they deal with disappointment. You find out what they’re like when they’re thinking, deliberating. You see how long it takes for them to make a decision and whether they second-guess themselves…I have never been wrong about someone I’ve played golf with”.

Giving golf a corporate boost
Jim also gives golf clubs a plug when he says that he belongs to a lot of golf clubs in many cities because “It’s not about the golf. It’s about the connections”.

We, Jeff & Tara Ciecko of CK Golf Solutions write two blogs, one is our 19th Hole Blog where we share personal experiences and the other a Biz Blog where we comment on business best practices and give golf industry related opinions. We have owned CK Golf Solutions for 7+ years and provide marketing, social media and business services to the golf and other industries. We DO NOT get paid for ANY of the blogs on our website. These are the places we visit and the things we do because we want to. When we say that we like or dislike something or have a good or bad experience this is our opinion and the truth as we see it. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us anytime.