The Ryder Cup 2008

Everybody Needs to be Encouraged-Even Eyore

It was some of the best golf I ever witnessed. Both the American and the European teams put on a show of skill, pluck and grit that exceeded anything I have ever observed.

I like to play golf and because of that I understand just how difficult it is to place the ball near or in the cup. If the swing is too fast or too slow by a millisecond the ball flight will be off. If the club hits the ball a millimeter off the flight of the ball will be off. If the wind blows out the ball can go too far but if it is coming into the golfer's face it will be too short.

Every lie is different and every bounce is unique. The ball might find itself in a divot, a hole, next to a rock or in deep grass. All these situations make the next swing that much more difficult.

So, despite these issues, 12 men from Europe and 12 men from America put the ball in the right holes in amazing frequency and from distances that seemed way to much to overcome.

At the final post mortem, the announcers and coaches and players told us what they thought made the difference this year. The Europeans had won six of the past seven events so why were the Yanks successful this year? Almost everyone agreed that it was teamwork. Captain Paul Azinger had worked very hard for the past two years to find the key to victory and, despite the absence of history's best player, he did it. The key was getting those individuals to play for the team rather than themselves.

Golf is an individual game. In every other context these players are trying to defeat each other. In this venue they were urging each other on. And, the crowd was rooting strongly for them.

It was duly noted that Paul Azinger's emotional leadership plus his strategy were largely responsible for the camaraderie. However, one of the players he chose was also key to that. It was Boo Weekly who not only played great golf but he was also the main cheer leader for the Yanks. He added just the right chemistry.

Sometimes a leader needs to choose players in the corporate and church worlds for their ability to stir the others up. They may not be as skilled as managers or workers but they are gifted encourager's. They "Glow in the Spirit" as the Bible says. When they are around people feel more positive and optimistic. Depression and negativity are reduced and the team is energized. Who does that for your team? Do what you can to keep them happy in your team.

I am thinking about some of my greatest experiences at various places of employment and I can clearly remember that it was teamwork and chemistry that made the difference. When we had that the team performed well. When it was missing the performance went down. Make sure you find an encourager.