“I push myself to be the best I can be. I don’t worry about what other people are doing, and I don’t think about things I can’t control.”

Annika Sorenstam
LPGA Tour Superstar

Jack Nicklaus loses to Arnold Palmer because he thinks it will benefit his career!

Tiger Woods takes a dive against Nike’s Phil Knight because he thinks he might get a better endorsement deal!

Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Jill Smith duffs drive so Mr. Boss Johnson wins company scramble!

Hopefully the last sentence sounds as ridiculous to you as the first two. If it doesn’t, change your mindset and embrace your abilities.

Beating your boss in golf isn’t a negative so let’s put that old myth into the cart barn. In fact, it’s a positive if you have the skills needed to come out on top. By winning, you will show that you are competitive and willing to go the distance. And how you win can let other positive traits shine such as humility, compassion, determination, preparation and talent.

“If I ever found out anyone who worked for me let me win on the course, well, I wouldn’t want someone like that working for me,” says Don Logan, General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple A affiliate Las Vegas 51s. “In fact, whenever anyone beats me I’m happy for them, but next time I want to whip them!”

On the flip side, losing can be a positive if you truthfully lose a match. Lose with dignity and honor, but only after putting up a good—legitimate--fight. How you win or lose on the golf course will reflect on how you win and lose in business.

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Real world situation: You are looking for a unique, casual way to meet with a client who is a golfer but is too busy to play an entire round.

Golf world solution: Arrange to meet your client before work at a local practice range, and spend a few minutes sipping coffee or tea in the pro shop while looking over the latest clubs and clothes. Then suggest a short putting contest before hitting the range to hit balls. Throughout this hour-long meeting you will get to know your client while intertwining your business thoughts throughout.