This is not a philosophical discussion on whether a golfer should walk or ride in a cart to play a round of golf. Rather, it is the continuation of applying golfing analogies to business (see A Golfing Analogy for Entrepreneurs, More Golfing Analogies for Entrepreneurs).
When you ride a cart while playing golf you breeze from hole to hole without really understanding the golf course. However, when you walk the course, you get a sense of the course layout, the conditions of the fairways, the contours and slopes, the strategic placement of bunkers and hazards. Walking gives you a better feel for proper course navigation.
Similarly for Entrepreneurs, it is important to know your customers and employees. Take the time to “walk” with them instead of breezing by while “riding.”
When you are with key customers, resist the temptation to just have quick lunches or drinks; try to spend quality time with them to understand their business issues and how you can assist them. Get a feel of their operating environment and the factors affecting their business success.
For key employees, instead of a cursory greeting, get to know them and understand factors affecting their performance. Find out by being with them in their operating environment how things can be improved.
Practice management by “walking” instead of “riding!”
Ravi Patel
www.patelcfoservices.com