Balancing the Golfing Act
Sanjay Arora
Global C-Suite Leader | Board Member & Executive Council Member | SVP Driving Multi-Billion-Dollar Growth | Architect of Scalable, Domain Driven, AI Ready, Optimized Operating Models for Future-Ready Enterprises.
Like many of us, I started experimenting with new hobbies in the year 2020 and so began my passion for the game of golf. I was so lucky that my son shared my passion (he is now the captain of his high school golf team) so we were able to play together, challenging and pushing each other to get better. We both continued to learn and improve over time, with my journey starting from over 30 handicap (no surprise!) to under 9 handicap. We now actively play tournaments over the heavily packed weekends as we continue to improve our scores towards under 5 handicap.
Being from India, I always thought cricket was a more fun and difficult sport until I started playing golf. The more I learn, the more difficult this game gets and invites you back to push your limits while having fun too. Wins and setbacks are part and parcel, even when you birdie hole 16 on TPC Scottsdale (and feel on top of the world) or score a triple bogie on hole 17th of TPC sawgrass on the very next game.
Along the way, I have noticed many similarities between golf and business. I thought I’d share some of my observations along with a few memories as I try to keep the balance between business, golf and life.
Here we go….
Quitting is not an option. Stay positive. This game can be as frustrating as anything can get specially when you are not learning this game from age of seven. As Arnold Palmer said, Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. When John Rahm or Scottie Scheffler misses a one-foot putt, I do feel better in thinking I am not alone, even the best can have the worst of moments. Like in business, focusing on small wins to celebrate, staying positive, learnings from mistakes that can be avoided to minimize the misses helped see a continued improvement in the game.??
Just like course management in golf, strategic planning
In golf, quick decision making
领英推荐
Adaptability
Golfers also display integrity and values
Focus on your Next
Legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” Instead of getting bogged down in your mistakes, learn from your failings, reach for your sand wedge, and knock the next shot from the trap onto the green.
Similarly, in business, if considerable time and effort is lost in developing a product or capability that doesn’t work, it is best to learn lessons and move onto the next one rather than dragging out a failed endeavor.
I continue to incorporate these lessons into our work culture and game. Wishing all my fellow golfers a fantastic day on the greens! Tee up for success in both golf and life. Do reach out if you are looking for a game of golf in or around the bay area. It would be great to catch up.
Finance Professional , Director Client Services & Relations at RK Khanna & Co, Chartered Accountants
1 年??Super Sanjay and Happy Golfing in times ahead . All that you experience resonates exactly the way I feel with the serious club tennis I am into these past few years ????
Lead Consultant at Infosys BPM
1 年Well stated. And very true
Global Head of Services FP&A, Senior Finance Leader
1 年Hi Sanjay - Well written and to the point thoughts. Congrats! Take care.
Chief Executive Officer & Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp, India.
1 年on my bucket list
Quoting|Order Fulfillment |S&F|C2R|Supply Chain|Order Management|Procurement|Logistics and Returns|Customer Management|ETL | Power Bi |SQL | Data ModellingEx- Infocian | Ex - Qualsquad
1 年Congratulations,sir??????