Golf and work

Do you golf? If you're a practicing physician and you like to play golf, it's probably entirely a social sport. You're not trying to impress a client and you're not trying to sell a product or service.

In the business world, you may be playing a lot of golf with clients, potential clients, and even coworkers so that you can build stronger working relationships that may impact your career. In the corporate world, the game of golf is no longer entirely a social sport. Your ability to play golf could have professional ramifications.

When I was in college, I never played golf. To be quite honest, I had no interest in the sport. When I was in medical school, I didn't have any time to learn how to play golf and I still lacked interest. Who has time to play golf during residency? I didn't play my first real game of golf until I was working in a company. I grew to enjoy the sport so I received lessons, purchased equipment, and got serious about becoming a better golfer.

Speaking of golf, I'm out playing golf today and we have a company picnic over the weekend. I hope you're enjoying the summer!

Non-clinical physician careers and golf

I know many physicians who golf. I also know many who don't golf. You don't have to golf to be a successful physician.

However, if you want to succeed in the non-clinical world of healthcare, you may want to learn how to play golf. You see, social interactions and relationship-building skills play critical roles in your ability to establish key networking opportunities. What happens if key members of your company frequently have golf outings and you refuse to play because you don't know how to play? What happens if your boss wants you to meet his/her boss on the golf course?

Am I being silly? Perhaps. However, I am stressing the importance of social interactions, so don't get caught up with the details. Many (certainly, not all) physicians tend to isolate themselves from social networking. They fail to recognize the importance of establishing and maintaining critical relationships both within and outside the company. Golf is a great way to keep those relationships alive. Last week, I had the chance to play golf with some great people both within and outside of my company. It was a great time to casually get to know each other in non-threatening environment.

If you do end up golfing with your boss, make sure to let him/her win. (Your promotion may depend on that!)