Winter is a great time for reflection. And retirement can also be a great time for reflection.

So… here’s a great reflection. I saw it on LinkedIn, and posted by Alan Ferebee – Director of Golf Operations at New Bern Golf & Country Club:

“With my retirement from the golf business only a few short weeks away, I have some unsolicited advice for the new PGA Professionals.

Everyone does customer service – do hospitality.

Build relationships – not just customers.

Always be attentive and in the moment.

You are a leader – lead by example.

Never stop learning and never look back.

“I will miss the people more than anything.”

How good was that????!!!!

I especially like 1 and 2.

Number 5… I like “Never stop learning,” but I don’t like “Never look back.” Looking back is part of learning. I don’t mean getting stuck in the past… I mean looking and learning from the past and applying those lessons to the present AND future.

As much as I like number 1… I love number 2. And I think number 1 is a natural result of number 2… seeing people as relationships and not just customers.

We’re all so sick of the world just seeming transactional.

In my little town, we have two new restaurants… and they’re nailing it… because of hospitality. Especially the one owned/run by an older guy. He’s a character and really into it. His personality runs through everything – especially his staff. My granddaughter and I had lunch there a few days ago… he just came over and said hi, and it felt personal – not transactional. 

Restaurants in both locations have consistently folded… because of a lack of hospitality.

Hospitality is not nametags and scripts… hospitality is genuinely caring about people.

Well… I’m not ready for retirement… though I have a plan in place. And my main concern is that our focus on hospitality and relationships continue. 

Otherwise, what’s the point?

Though retiring, I hope that Alan Ferebee doesn’t abandon the golf world. We need more people like him who get it. I hope he had a good succession plan.

Cheers!