GOLF AUSTRALIA NEWS
A FOCUS ON POLICY TO
STOP THE MICROMANAGING
What does policy have to do
with micromanaging?
The answer lies in the way
that board policy supports the
principles of good governance
and the board’s delegation to the
GM.
We’ve all heard stories of a
micromanaging board member
and the impact this can have
on staff and operations.
Micromanaging can become an
even bigger problem when its
coming from the chairman.
A GM revealed recently that
he receives 10-15 emails from
the club’s chairman every day.
The GM is asked for reports
and updates, review of work,
copies of all correspondence
and even explanations as to how
he’s spending his time. Upon
returning from the GMA National
Conference in Adelaide he was
immediately questioned as to
how he could justify the cost and
the time away from the club.
authority exists through the
board and that individual board
members do not have that
authority. The board speaks
with one voice and it speaks
through policy.
The board makes the rules and
policies with a focus on strategy
and the future whilst not overly
concerning itself with the day to
day management of the club.
The chairman’s role is in effect
that of chief governance officer,
seeing to it that the board acts
according to its own policies.
Micromanaging is a direct result
of failing to set clear policy and
abide by it. Whilst most clubs
have policies, often many are
not in the practice of living the
policies nor developing new
polices.
Governance Fundamentals
describes five types of policies:
1) Ends policies,
2) By-laws,
To find out more about these
policies and how they help to
improve club performance
with greater clarity over
roles, responsibilities and
accountabilities, register for
the Governance Fundamentals
e-learning course.
It’s ideal for GM’s, senior
managers, board members and
prospective board members
and it will shine a spotlight on
micromanaging.
To register go to:
www.golf.org.au/clubsupport
and click the long “E-learning
modules” bar.
The Governance Fundamentals
e-learning course assists with
counteracting this behaviour. 3) GM boundary policies, It’s only $49.50 per registrant.
4) Governance process
policies, and The course highlights that all 5) Board-GM linkage policies. Paul Vardy
Club’s & Facilities Support
Manager
Lots of learnings on LinkedIn.
If you’re a club GM, or senior member of the club staff thirsty for knowledge, reading GMA’s
E-Magazine for ideas on what’s happening in club management is a must. LinkedIn is yet another
way to add to your learnings. There is a worldwide community of club managers and industry
suppliers sharing information on LinkedIn.
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I GOLF MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA
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AUTUMN EDITION 2018