Volume XXIII, Number 29 (Issue 1138) | July 21, 2025
Short Takes on Leadership – Preface
A long-time reader and friend, Bruce Jones of Austin, TX sent me the following note last week. I include it here in its entirety, with the author’s permission, because it is worth sharing and because it turns out it is a perfect segue into the new series I have in mind that will kick off in a week.
Keith,
Last week I was in Scotland with one of my sons who works for a large tech company. He made the comment that he could not wait to get into management because managers’ jobs were so “easy”.
As we were in Scotland where the “Open” championship is being played this weekend and where golf originated, my memory unearthed a metaphor on golf that I had long forgotten. I used the metaphor many times over the course of my career. I thought it worth sharing as it can apply to leadership.
It goes as follows:
If one considers all of the sports that can be played here on earth, I believe we can all conclude that of all sports, golf is by far the easiest. Let me explain. You see in golf you start by hitting a ball that just sits still. No one throws the ball at you, so it does not curve, knuckle, or bounce, it just sits still. After you hit the ball, no one knocks you down as you admire your shot. For that matter as you prepare to hit the ball spectators are required to be silent. No screaming, yelling, or waving of hands is allowed.
After you hit the ball, you merely walk or for most golfers, you ride to the spot where your ball landed and hit it again. No running or sprinting is necessary. As for where you hit the ball, the goal of the game is to put the ball in a hole. The hole does not move and for that matter it is about three times larger than the ball. The hole is not hidden; it is marked with a flag so the golfer can easily spot the target. When the golfer gets close to the hole, there are no defenders or no goalies, you merely hit the still ball into a hole over three times the size of the ball.
Yes, we can all agree that golf is the easiest sport of all!
So, to the person that has never played golf, my above points make perfect sense. Especially when my points are compared to the many other sports we know and watch. However, to any golfer, they understand that golf is far from easy. For that matter, I could give any golfer Tiger Woods golf equipment, and it would not make them a better golfer. In golf success comes from execution, not equipment.
So, it can be with management or leadership. To the person aka my son who has never managed or led, it seems a simple task, so very easy. However, as anyone who has managed or led will tell you, management can be extremely challenging. Similarly, in management it is not about your knowledge or equipment. Success in management is in your ability to execute. Reading books is a noble exercise, leveraging management tools can be nice, but at the end of the day, one’s ability to inspire and motivate their teams is displayed in execution!
Best,
Bruce
My sincere thanks to Bruce as well as to all who take time from their busy schedules to read my Musings, share their thoughts, and/or comment on these little essays. Next week, Short Takes on Leadership – Part I.
Soli Deo Gloria
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:10
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
Transforming Potential into Unmatched Performance
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