Always amazed at how reminders and reinforcements for good recruiting habits can pop up in everyday life…like when doing in a half marathon.

Walked in my first (and probably last) 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) last week at runDisney in Orlando with my daughter.

Everyone I talked to beforehand said “you’ll finish no problem…you’re walking for gosh sakes…no worries”.

Was clearly talking to the wrong people.

Problem with these marathons is keeping up at a 16 minute/mile pace.

In this particular race, walking pace is enforced by “Balloon Ladies” who start in the last corral, are the last to cross the start line and walk the race at a 16 min/mi pace. If you’re passed by these loud yet encouraging gals you’re in danger of getting “swept” meaning you’re too slow and will be removed from the course.

Bye bye medal!

Found myself either running to catch-up with OR constantly peering behind to gauge how close these little buggers were (no disrespect to my new nemesis that morning…the ladies very nice and encouraging).

Keeping up with the balloon ladies became an anxiety ridden problem that I was either trying catch-up to or fend-off.

Which kinda reminded me of panic hiring.

Clubs typically hire when the position becomes vacant then scramble to fill the position.

They fill it with the strongest candidate at the time just to get it filled, hope for the best and fend-off the least desirable applicants.

Best way for golf clubs to avoid getting “swept” by the cycle of panic hiring is to always be in the recruiting mode for talent.

Examples:

• If someone offers you incredible service at a store, hotel, golf club, restaurant etc… give them a compliment, notice their name and hand them your card.
• One of your long time suppliers has provided you stellar customer service and you girls/guys seem to “click” let them know you’re always open to talk when they’re ready for a career change.
• Develop a people pipeline and have other staff members do the same. Have them along with you make a list of dream hires and set-up a call or meet for coffee periodically with these passive candidates.
• Continuous intake – keep a general job posting on your website at all times letting candidates know if they’re interested in your club you’re interested in seeing their resume.

Remember there’s a difference between hiring and recruiting.

Hiring is filling an immediate need…its reactive.

Recruiting is a mindset and a great habit to practice to avoid the “panic” button.

Dawn Schlesinger
GolfSurfin.com

PS. I did reach the finish line…still recovering.