Communication is a Skill

Both on and off the course, communication skills are a crucial assest of a superintendent. One needs to conduct themselves in a manner which well represents not only themself but the course as well. Whether it's mingling with colleagues at a conference or delegating job duties in the morning meeting, it's important to make it clear what point you're trying to get across.

On the course, it is the job of the superintendent to communicate what is expected to be done. It is lack of communication that can lead staff down a road of dissatification. Unhappy employees tend to equal low productivity which in turn needs to be explained at the next budget meeting as to why the labor cost isn't equaling the amount of work being done. Confronting the low productive employees usually results in a response of, "I wasn't sure what you exactly wanted done." A lack of understanding and lack of direction is often the cause of low moral and loss of productivity. When delegating job assingments, make sure everyone is on the same page by leading employees in the right direction with the understanding of the task at hand.

At some point a superintendent is going to be in front of a greens commitee trying to convince them that money is needed to be spent. Perhaps it is for a new piece of equipment or maybe for a project that may not seem nescessary to someone not involved in the turf industry. It is now time to communicate the long term savings in spending money now. A superintendent must be able to communicate in a business language to people whom most likely speak business for a living.

It is important for a turfgrass manager to set forth a clear path of direction and intentions of what is expected to be accomplished. Communication is a skill and can be learned and improved upon.