Encouraging Lessons from a PGA Caddie
Sundays. They hold fond memories for me as a child. After church, our family of four would stop by a local deli. On the list were bologna, cheese, Kaiser rolls, Sunkist orange soda, and Herr’s potato chips. Once home, lunch was served up as the TV broadcast the weekend’s PGA tournament. My dad enjoyed the game--both playing and watching. If I close my eyes, I can picture the scene like it was yesterday. The screen doors are open and a fragrant spring breeze blows through the house. I bite into my sandwich and I can taste the delightful combination of freshly sliced bologna with a hint of spicy mustard. Players such as Nick Faldo, Payne Stewart, Fred Couples, and Davis Love III grace the screen. They make it look easy as the live gallery admires their talent with polite applause and cheers.
Things haven’t changed much in three decades. I may not be eating bologna sandwiches anymore, but I still love watching professional golf. It reminds me of those Sunday afternoons and my dad. And those memories bring a smile to my face. As I watch today’s top professionals battle it out with drivers, irons, and putters, I can’t help but marvel at the relationship between golfers and their caddies. When it comes to encouragement, feedback, and kind words, caddies do it all. It’s a partnership that, when working well, leads to great success. Think Claret Jug, Wanamaker Trophy, and Green Jackets to name a few.
Employees, just like professional golfers, need someone by their side, too. Knowing that their manager genuinely cares and is there to assist them in navigating the course, offer advice, provide tools, and give encouragement helps them grow, develop, and find the motivation to perform well and bring their best to work. There may not be trophies involved, but strong partnerships in the workplace also lead to great success. What does this look like? Let’s take a few cues from one of golf's most legendary caddies, Fanny Sunesson.
In 2005 at the Scandinavian Masters, part of the European Tour, Sunesson was on the bag of Mark Hensby. During the final round on Sunday, Hensby found himself in contention. Writer Brian Mull recounts a conversation with Sunesson about that day. Heading to the 10th tee, she looked at Hensby and said, “This is what it’s all about--back nine and we’ve got a chance to win.” It turns out that was just the encouragement that Hensby needed as he went on to win in a playoff. Sunesson also recalled the moment when he later told her, “that was so good that you said that.” [1]
Encouragement, according to a Google search, is defined as “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” Sunesson’s message to Hensby wasn’t all that profound, but those words were life at the right moment and moved him to action. Interestingly enough, Hensby acknowledged the importance of Sunesson’s comment. Perhaps he knew he could win it. Or perhaps he was struggling with self-doubt. We may never know, but one thing is certain--her words were the life-blood that day. And I imagine it’s a day that Hensby won’t soon forget.
Take another example from Sunesson’s playbook. What many fans of the golf world remember is her magical partnership with the great Nick Faldo. During the 1990s, Faldo won four majors with Sunesson by his side. Obviously, Faldo is a talented golfer and has done amazing things for the game, earning him a knighthood in 2009. It makes one wonder, however, if his success would have been as notable had the person carrying his bag been someone other than Sunesson. Talent can take you far, but not quite as far as when you have someone who believes in you. In their book, The Leadership Challenge James Kouzes and Barry Posner state:
“Exemplary leaders bring others to life, figuratively speaking. They bring out the best in their constituents, and if the potential exists within someone, they always find a way to release it. These leaders dramatically improve others’ performance because they care deeply for them and have abiding faith in their capacities. They nurture, support, and encourage people in whom they believe. In a series of studies, psychologists showed that by starting with the statement, “I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them,” the feedback they provided proved to be 40 percent more effective in subsequently changing targeted behaviors.” [2]
While Sunesson may not consider herself a leader, she exemplified the characteristics of one throughout her career. Not only did she believe in and bring out the best in those she caddied for, but she also prided herself on the feedback she offered. She states that she learned early on “...I was always going to say what I thought, however difficult it was. I decided not to be a Yes Man. That to me was important…” [1] In another interview, when asked about saying what was on her mind, she stated, “I learned...to say what I was thinking. Otherwise, there is no point being there...If I was just agreeing there would be no point. Also, it is how you say it, not just what you say.” [3]
Wise words that Kouzes and Posner would no doubt applaud. When leaders build trust by demonstrating and verbalizing that they believe in their employees, feedback can be a powerful change agent. And, according to Sunesson, it seems that paying attention to the how is just as important as the what. Also sage advice. Notice the direct, yet kind and positive spin, in the quote above from The Leadership Challenge. As leaders, our feedback to employees should communicate our belief that they can meet and exceed expectations. It should elicit hope and point them in a positive direction where they believe it about themselves and do it. After all, it’s why you are there--to help coach and mentor.
Ignoring what needs to be said does a disservice to you and your employees. Because Sunesson did her homework, knew the course, and understood her partner, she could offer direct and candid feedback that, when considered and acted on, would help him hit a successful shot. Imagine the same for your employees.
As leaders, there is another lesson in Sunesson’s comment that could get missed. Let’s not overlook that we should evaluate who we surround ourselves with. Take an honest peek around and ask yourself if you welcome open and candid feedback. Are colleagues and direct reports alike encouraged to speak their minds, to challenge ideas, and to disagree with you? If not, it’s like swinging with your driver when everyone knows you should have selected the five-iron. And it could cost you the game.
Leadership is being strong enough to ask for advice that will benefit you and your followers. In your organizations lie deep pools of talent, innovative ideas, and experience from the trenches. Create a culture that encourages your employees to speak up and then listen to them.
All in all, what’s the lesson to be learned from this story of a caddie? Here’s what I take away: Encouragement through feedback and kind words is never wasted.
Consider that as a leader the simple act of choosing to speak an encouraging word to your employee can mean the difference between knowing and doing, despair and resolve, stagnancy and energy. Authors Kouzes and Posner reveal how Ravi Gandhi, a Chief Financial Officer, made encouraging his team a part of his daily routine.
“When he gets into work he sets three pennies on the left side of his computer, and during the day, he says, “I look for opportunities to recognize, thank, and encourage good work that people are doing around me.” After encouraging someone he moves a penny from the left side of the computer to the right side. When not at his desk, he puts the pennies in his left pocket and moves them to the right pocket as he encourages people during the day.” This small reminder, explains Ravi, “keeps me mindful of the fact that we live in an encouragement-starved world -- I am just trying to do my small part to fix that -- at least with my work team.” If Ravi gets to the end of the day with pennies in his left pocket, he calls his kids and friends on the way home and offers them some encouragement!” [2]
A penny for your thoughts? Give a few of them away today and see what an invaluable act believing in and encouraging others can be.
If you want to become a more encouraging leader but need some support we can help! Lakeside Leadership Services offers a free initial half-hour consultation and coaching session to leaders, and we have affordable coaching packages with discounts for leaders of nonprofit organizations. Visit us online atwww.lakesideleadership.org or send an email to contactus@lakesideleadership.orgto take the next step in your leadership journey.
References
1 Mull, Brian. (2019, June 4). Caddie legend Fanny Sunesson has always been well prepared and ready for a challenge. The Caddie Network.
https://www.thecaddienetwork.com/caddie-legend-fanny-sunesson-has-always-been-well-prepared-and-ready-for-a-challenge/
2 Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B.Z. (2017). The leadership challenge (p. 253-254). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
3 NCG Contributors. (2016, February 12). Fanny Sunesson: On Faldo, the Majors & six Ryder Cups. National Club Golfer.com.
https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/news/fanny-sunesson-on-faldo-the-majors-six-ryder-cups/
