This is an 18-lesson series designed to promote discussion amongst golf architecture fans. The use of Gen (ret.) Colin Powell's Leadership Primer is used only for this discussion and not profit or personal gain.
After a week and a half hiatus to reacquaint myself to my ejection seat office, move into a new house, and hang out at Ballyneal with a true group of dudes, Colin Powell returns with his wisdom.
From lesson three we can assume that the experts and elites here at GCA.com weren't very game for discussion. I was surprised at the lack of attention that it garnered. I think lesson four touches on what lesson three was all about; that is, taking chances and giving "real" talent a place at the table is just as important as titles and lineage.
Lesson FOUR
Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard.
Learn from the pros, observe them, seek them out as mentors and partners. But remember that even the pros may have levelled out in terms of their learning and skills. Sometimes even the pros can become complacent and lazy. Leadership does not emerge from blind obedience to anyone. Xerox's Barry Rand was right on target when he warned his people that if you have a yes-man working for you, one of you is redundant. Good leadership encourages everyone's evolution.
I try and take one thing from every student I fly with and internalize for my own growth. Even the brand new lieutenant on his first sortie can teach me something. Stagnate skills development makes me obsolete and ineffectual as a pilot. Golf architecture is no different.
I think what makes the modern school of minmalism so intriguing is that it is evolving with talent, site potential, and client expectation. Each and every project seems to be looked at as a way to expand or shift the paradigm in a meaningful way. The new project at Dismal River is very exciting for golf for many of the new practices that could/will be introduced and the efficiency with which the golf course will be built.
I don't feel like the big firms think in this manner. They are more concerned with status quo and market acceptance.
Reattacks?