PGMS Member Area > PGMS Knowledge Center

March-April, 2002

From time to time, I hear from grounds managers across the country on how difficult it is for them to get their point across to the people above them. Another concern from grounds managers is that they feel that they are constantly having to justify their position or their department

For the most part, grounds managers are a rare group who are totally dedicated to their profession. They know how to grow turf, identify weeds, diseases and areas that need repair to reduce injuries and liability. The difficulty lies in when everyone around them “seems” to know their job better than they do. This may be the result of not knowing how to present their ideas and thoughts through memos, reports or careful budget preparation.

We may know more than those who we report to when it comes to caring for the grounds we maintain but it matters little if we have difficulty in communicating our ideas or thoughts to those we report to. That is why it is equally important for the manager or supervisor to possess equally proficient communication skills.
I believe that in order to have those above you understand and support you, you need to be as good, if not better than, they are when it comes to your writing and speaking skills, budgeting, computer skills, grasp of labor laws, diversity, gender issues etc. To do so I recommend the following measures that will aid in being a truly successful grounds manager:

• Attend workshops, seminars or classes. Don’t just attend something that pertains to the technical aspect of grounds management. Look for something that you know that you need to improve on as a manager or supervisor and that you will benefit from.
  
  If you have difficulties working with your computer skills, take a course or courses that will assist you. Most work is generated and done through a computer. Text writing, spreadsheets and email are now becoming part of the daily norm. Not being on top of this as the person who oversees daily activities of your athletic fields could affect the level of effective communication with others.
  
  For those who have trouble conveying their thoughts or recommendations on paper, look for a class or workshop that will strengthen that area. Also, as a athletic field manager it is very important to stay current with the laws and regulations that pertain to labor, gender and diversity as well as having a knowledge of the budget procedures at your place of employment.
  
  
• Join and get involved with your association. Joining and becoming involved with your association, which represents who you are and what you do, is a great way to expound upon your role as a athletic field manager. I have found networking and building professional relationships with others both locally and nationally to be a tremendous asset in dealing with problems and finding solutions. Get involved, attend national and local meetings and be an active member.

Remember, the industry is constantly changing. To be the very best in grounds management you need to be at the top of your game. It all begins with communication.