Hiring managers in the golf industry consistently list communication as a top skill they are seeking. Even though we instinctively know it’s essential, sometimes we neglect being intentional to keep improving our communication skills so that we are prepared to demonstrate this quality in a future job search. In this month’s Career column, we will discuss tips to continue refining your ability to effectively communicate and win your next job.
When we think of communication, the first thing that comes to mind is words — spoken words. But the reality is that long before we start speaking, we are already communicating, whether we know it or not. Nonverbal communication accounts for 50%-93% of all communication, according to most research. Let that sink in. Over half of what we convey has nothing to do with what we actually say with spoken words. In an often-cited study, UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian concluded that communication is composed of 55% body language and 38% tone, and, finally, 7% is what we say with spoken words.
Body Language. Let’s start with body language, particularly in a job search setting. During the interview phase, be prepared and intentional to create a strong first impression. Practice walking into a room and conveying confidence through your appearance, posture, eye contact, cadence, handshake and greeting.
One of the main takeaways from the UCLA study was that if there is any contradiction between spoken words and body language, people will trust the nonverbal signals. Therefore, a simple way to improve our communication is to consciously ensure that our gestures, facial expressions and posture support our message. This also helps us appear authentic and trustworthy with our message. To succeed in an interview setting, start first by being aware and practicing with your body language in daily interactions. For example, if you are having a meeting with a crew member and asking for input, position yourself in a manner that conveys your genuine desire for their contribution. Sit next to them instead of across your desk. Keep your arms open (not crossed) and face your shoulders toward them — all these choices silently say that you are listening and value them and their perspective.
Speaking tone. The second largest category of communication in the study was the tone, inflection and perceived attitude used when speaking, which accounted for 38% of the message. By first focusing on positioning your body to communicate confidence, you will naturally improve your tone: Sitting with good posture helps to open your lungs, putting your chin up to help your voice project and facing your shoulders toward the other person directs your voice. Avoid talking fast and with a higher-pitched tone. Slow down, choose each word wisely and speak with clarity to use both what you say along with how you say it to bolster your claims.
Verbal communication. Third, let’s consider ways to cultivate effective content and format for spoken words. A leading voice in leadership and communicating at a high level is Simon Sinek. In his book “Start with Why,” and in his viral TED Talk, he chronicles some of history’s greatest communicators and found that great leaders employ the same pattern of communication — they start with why. Simply put, the simple shift of starting with why in your conversations could transform your career. For example, if a member asks when aerification is happening next, instead of answering with what days the course will be closed for aerification, start with why. You could share that you want to have the best greens and playing conditions for your members and that aerification is an important part of creating those conditions. Then go on to tell the upcoming aerification schedule. By simply making an intentional choice to respond first with why, you instantly convey that you understand and value the golfer’s perspective, which is ultimately the why behind turf practices.
Another example of an exceptional communicator was Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who famously advocated and lived out his belief in the power of three. People will remember three items easier than two or any other number. As we plan what we want to convey in an interview or any setting, focus on three main points. The audience won’t remember 20 things about what you said — so prioritize it to your three main points to be concise, clear and memorable.
Carol D. Rau, PHR, has been a career consultant and speaker with GCSAA since 2005 and specializes in golf and turf industry careers. Rau is a frequent speaker at national, regional and local GCSAA conferences and teaches GCSAA webinars.