Research has proven strategic thinkers to be the most highly effective leaders in any business or organization. Henry DeLozier, a principal with Global Golf Advisors, recommends course owners and operators follow these five steps to encourage strategic thinking and create a strategic culture:
1. Set aside time to think strategically. Schedule it just as you would any other activity.
2. Provide information to employees regarding the market, industry, customers, competitors and new technologies. Keep people informed about what’s happening inside the club and then connect it with the outside information. This gives people the background for informed decision-making.
3. Communicate the mission and goals regularly and consistently to ensure key decisions are weighed against the plan agreed to by management.
4. Encourage cross-funtion sharing of information and results. Meet with department heads on a regular basis to keep them informed about internal issues and external trends that tie directly to strategy.
5. Reward strategic thinking. Don’t let it go unnoticed when someone anticipates problems or opportunities and devises creative ways of addressing them, all the while considering the consequences to the club.