Arnold Palmer's Etiquette Wisdom

I just recently became a serious golfer. I'm not good (yet), but I'm serious about learning, playing, and enjoying it. Too bad I didn't golf when I was building my corporate career, because playing with my colleagues and other associates would have been great for relationship-building. But who had time?

Golf is challenging and humbling; a civilized game that can drive you crazy. But it employs lessons that translate well in the business world. I was reminded of this yesterday when I stumbled across an August 2008 Golf Digest article by Arnold Palmer, entitled "10 Rules for Good Golf Etiquette". When I read them, I was startled at how directly his rules could be applied to business. For the details of the rules applicability to golf, read Arnie's article: 10 Rules for Good Golf Etiquette

I borrowed the golf great's "headlines" for his rules and applied my own business twist to them:

1. DON'T BE THE SLOWEST PLAYER: Don't be the last person to arrive for a scheduled meeting, and don't be unprepared. You'll slow everything down, affect the team's productivity, and do harm to your reputation.

2. KEEP YOUR TEMPER UNDER CONTROL: Exhibiting temper in a business environment is a sign of weakness. You can succinctly express disappointment, sternly provide criticism, clearly redirect actions of your employees, and pointedly enumerate your expectations. Yelling, cursing, and throwing things is always inappropriate.
3. RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S TIME: Schedule meetings and provide an agenda. If you RSVP in the affirmative to a meeting - be there. Last minute cancellations or no-shows are bad form.
4. REPAIR THE GROUND YOU PLAY ON: Tidy up after yourself in a meeting room, cleaning your scribbles off the whiteboard, throwing away discarded paper, recycling empty beverage bottles and cans. When you get your coffee in the break room, wipe up your spills and any left by others. While you're at it, brew a fresh pot.
5. BE A SILENT PARTNER: Show respect for others when it's their turn to speak and share ideas. Don't interrupt. Don't hog the limelight. Your work will speak for itself.
6. MAKE YOUR GOLF CART INVISIBLE: Your ego is your golf cart. Driving it with indiscretion causes a commotion among spectators and leaves marks in the office landscape. Don't be so focused on where you're going that you fail to see the effect you've had on where you've been.
7. ALWAYS LOOK YOUR BEST: In Arnie's words, "Your appearance speaks volumes about you as a person." Dress for success.
8. TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE: There are times and places where cell phone usage and noise are beyond rude. Be aware of the settings on your electronic appendage at all times.
9. LEND A HAND WHEN YOU CAN: Corporate business is a team sport. Help your colleagues be successful and you will share in that success. Those who focus only on their personal goals may "win" in the short run, but will suffer from a lack of support from others in the long run.
10. LEARN THE LITTLE THINGS: Business has nuances that change over time. Observe and be considerate. As Arnie notes, "...every piece of etiquette you practice will be repaid tenfold.".

Thanks, Arnie, for the inspiration!