Business is about more than clocking in, being creative and working hard
Coaching and business are synonymous.
Leaders rally the troops, prepare a strategy for success and work hard to achieve those goals. Teamwork is key, and the goal is to win. Tennessee Tech head golf coach Polk Brown’s job is to help the golfers he coaches become more than champions. He wants to help them build skills that will help guide them into the market.
Brown was named the first full-time head coach of both the Golden Eagle men’s and women’s programs back in July 2011. He is now an assistant on the ladies’ side and in his 13th season as head coach for the men.
No better place than the golf course to learn what it takes to win.
“Golf is the only sport that transcends age,” Brown told the UCBJ.
He clarifies.
“Meaning that as long as you can stay healthy enough to play, you can be on the golf course for the rest of your life,” he said.
Brown says student-athletes also have advantages after school.
Polk Brown
“Studies have shown that student-athletes typically are higher on the totem pole when it comes to those being hired, given the demands on their time in college. If you do well in school and in your athletic arena, you will stand a very good chance of being hired for a job,” he says.
Business is about more than clocking in, being creative and working hard. It is also about relationships and networking.
“And if that’s the case, you’re going to meet a lot of people. It’s hard to do that a lot on a football field, basketball court, etc. In short, it’s the relationship piece and the continual opportunities to network,” according to Brown.
Competition is key in both sports and business, but what does it take to be successful?
“Well, you have to establish a solid culture within your program and then be sure to recruit the right type of young men (or women) that will fight for your culture and the type of environment you want day in and day out. You need student-athletes who are extremely coachable and who can be held to a high standard,” according to Brown
Team building in coaching, just as in the business world, is an investment.
“… I’ve been doing this for 15 years now, and it certainly isn’t something that happens overnight. You also need student-athletes who are going to go above and beyond what is required of them, who have exemplary attitudes, and who aren’t afraid to hold one another accountable. That can be quite challenging. And as a coach, you have to be willing to confront these young men and women (in a professional way, of course) if your standards aren’t being met. It takes a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” says Brown.
In an NIL environment, the world of coaching and business is more complementary than ever.
“It really is more relevant with football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and maybe baseball,” said Brown. “Especially with the Power 4 conferences, it is huge.”
What is it that draws Polk to coaching? Relationships.
“Of course, we want these young men and women to do well in the classroom and on the golf course, but coaching is more than that. I’d like to know my guys and girls more than face value, meaning beyond the world of school and golf. I don’t expect to know everything about their personal lives and that is fine, of course, but they aren’t going to care how much you know until they know-how much you care,” he said.
But there’s more.
“And, we do get to go to some pretty cool places,” he said with a laugh.
What advice would Coach Brown give to his players and anyone wanting business success?
“This may sound cliché, but a great attitude and work ethic go a long way in this world. Also, being extremely proficient in managing your time is highly beneficial. Take things a day at a time, and one step at a time. These can be extremely difficult at times, but if you have a handle on them, success will come. Also, surround yourself with people who will push you and lead you in the right direction. You’re a product of the company you keep, so choose wisely,” he said.
Learn more about Tennessee Tech Golf HERE.
This is the first of an ongoing series. Check back for more.
Photo via Tennesse Tech Golf.
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