Quote:
Originally Posted by MarchHare
Even in a best ball tournament where the score doesn't matter, people still get embarrassed when they whiff on a swing or whatever. And yes, I guarantee more people than you might think feel that way. Golfing requires skill -- you can't expect novices who aren't interested in it and have little-to-no experience at it to enjoy themselves, especially when they're worried about looking good in front of their colleagues.
Imagine it this way: if your company hosted a karaoke night and insisted that everyone get up to sing at least one song, don't you think some of your coworkers might be embarrassed or intimidated by that? Golf is no different.
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I would look at it differently.
Golfing in a company event is the least intimidating way to try the sport. You may not succeed, but not one of your co-workers will look down upon you for trying, regardless of outcome. It is likely the opposite, they will encourage you and help you do better. If you are giving it your best attempt, people will respect you for that. Thus it is a great team building exercise.
In a nine hole best ball format, out of perhaps three dozen shots you take, only TWO are likely to have to be used (a couple drives). It isn't the end of the world if those two aren't good either. It's for fun.
Trying to do something that is outside your comfort zone shows way more of your character than hiding inside your comfort zone.
Ditto on the karaoke. I had never done it, until a team building event in Kelowna. The biggest wig at the event was one of the four on stage and right beside me. He and I shared one of the two mics. I didn't "feel" like doing it, but if there ever was a time to try, it was then as I was around people I knew.
So I belted out Frank Sinatra's "My Way" as best as I could, and the big wig put his arm around me half way through and said "You are doing great! Thanks for covering for me!". I laughed and we finished together with a flourish.
Our relationship was the better for it. He always knew that regardless of the task or challenge he threw at me, I would give it my best. And if I was severely overloaded, he would say "You prioritize what you think needs to be done and drop the rest." That team building exercise helped build trust and empowerment.
One should look at team building events such as golf/karaoke as opportunities, not threats. Go have fun. Everyone else is.