5 “Green Jacket” Lessons for Anyone in Business

By: Peter Madden

If you’re a “golf gremlin” like I am, you were tuned in all weekend to the Masters Tournament like your life depended on it. For me, it is borderline religion, from the dulcet tones of Jim Nantz announcing each shot, to the view of loblolly pines, azalea, and the most immaculate golf course in the planet. The ending – with Rory McIlroy coming out on top – then dropping to his knees and weeping uncontrollably, was one of the most emotional scenes captured in any sport. As any golf fan knows, the Masters has been Rors’ white whale, and it seemed that after each year’s disappointment in Augusta, he would never have that iconic green jacket draped on him in Augusta. Reflecting on this win, I had to capture some lessons that anyone in business can learn from and apply.

Ignore EVERY Doubter – and Especially Self-Doubt
My ears are still hurting from all the “chirping” I’ve heard year after year that Rory would never win the Masters. In fact, after Thursday’s round, where he had two double bogeys, all the prognosticators advised that no Masters Champion has ever made two double bogeys the ENTIRE four-day round. That didn’t stop the man from Northern Ireland! He shut out the noise and believed in himself. Where it is human nature to doubt yourself, you can’t “live in it” outside of a challenging moment. Perhaps after you lose a client, or don’t win the big project, or an assignment goes awry, and you hear some whispers of your demise. You course correct – with confidence! Mistakes happen, but mistakes also provide a wonderful opportunity to up your game, get better, and succeed the next time around.

Lean on Mentors
Last week, Rory visited with the infamous Jack Nicklaus – who has won more Masters tournaments than any golfer in history. Over lunch, he spoke with “The Bear” about his plan for each shot and each hole at the daunting ANGC. He literally mentally “played” Augusta in front of Jack. Now, Rory is a storied and highly accomplished golfer, with plenty of major championships under his belt. Yet, he still felt the need – and rightfully so! – to share his thoughts with Jack over hours and get his perspective on each shot and overall strategy. I’m sure this was a great mental boost for him. I know I’m fortunate enough to have fellow CEOs and business leaders in my corner when I need advice, a sounding board, and any suggestion they conjure. Plus, pep talks sure don’t hurt!

Put the Work in When No One Is Watching
Of course, Rory spends countless hours on his game, working through every club, driver to putter. But he is also an infamous fitness freak. This is surely due to how he observed Tiger Woods’ approach to fitness so many years ago. A brief aside: a good friend who is a Detective was Tiger’s ‘body man’ years ago when he was playing the AT&T at Aronimink Golf Club. He asked me to join them at 4:30 am (!!) at a gym. So I got to witness how aggressive Tiger is when it comes to his fitness. I was shocked to see what he put his body through just hours before he was teeing off. Back to Rory – I learned over the weekend that he can deadlift 400 lbs. (!!!). I’ve stood next to him at a tournament, and would guess he is about 5’8” and couldn’t be more than 160 lbs. This is another level of fitness and is what has built the “engine” that he uses to bomb those drives. In my business, we are constantly – and quietly – challenging each other to be better, and constantly asking how we can improve our process and product. It keeps us humble – and focused!

Commit to Those Who Commit to You
Commitment is a 2-way street. Rory has known his caddy – Harry Diamond – since he was 7 years old! How touching it was to hear Rory say in his post-victory presser that “this win is as much mine as it is Harry’s.” I know here at AgileCat, we have an incredibly strong “have every Cat’s back” mentality. As I like to say, there is a very big reason there are no doors at our HQ, “The Treehouse.” It’s because at any moment, anyone here can walk into anyone’s space and ask for help, suggest a new initiative, share a victory, or any other reason. Side note: naturally, if someone is in a meeting or on a virtual call, their colleague is immediately sought out after the meeting/call is done. And a final note: every win is a TEAM win. It’s never about the individual.

Family First
Whereas Rory has an incredibly robust schedule, between tournaments, practice, the gym, and appearances, there is no doubt that he is truly a Family Man. I think he will remember holding his daughter, Poppy, and hugging his wife on the 18th green more than having that glorious green jacket slipped over his shoulders. Not a dry eye for me and I’m sure countless others. Business can be hectic but priorities matter, whether your “Family” consists of close friends, relatives, or all under the same roof, make good choices to ensure they remain #1.

Thanks for reading, and cheers to your future victories and the work you put in to bring them to fruition!