There's also plenty of emotion tied up in the game that can help or hurt one's business life. A Caddy's Lessons in Life, Business and Golf , an extended metaphor for a mentor-protege relationship that teaches leadership principles. A sample caddying experience, for example, teaches more about identifying a problem, analyzing options and solving the problem than it does about maneuvering a ball. Those who don't play are at a very distinct disadvantage. And, for golfers and nongolfers both, I encourage them to be dispassionate about their performance and the game.
Golf is a very imperfect, frustrating game.
It uncovers all your personality characteristics, positive and negative, so I stress positive thinking and remembering your objectives for playing, whether it's networking or getting information. There's a fine line between golf as business tool and golf as gimmick. Owen makes sure to keep his office golf light. Office golfers afraid of expensive accidents can resort to plastic balls and miniature golf putters, Owen counsels. Whatever the approach, golf has invaded the workplace.