AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 07: A detail of amateur Sam Bennett's wrist tattoo during the second round ... [+]
The world of golf was buzzing last weekend with the inspiring story of Sam Bennett, the 23-year-old amateur golfer from Texas A&M who is making waves at The Masters tournament. But it's not just his impressive performance at Augusta that has caught people's attention. It's the tattoo inside his left wrist that reads: Don't wait to do something—the last words ever written by his father before he passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2021.
“He wrote it out, it took him like 15 minutes to write it, it was probably the hardest thing he’s had to do in his handwriting,” Bennett told the PGA Tour at the Valero Texas Open earlier in April . “It’s like a new pre-shot routine I do now, right before I’m about to hit it, I’ll look at it and I’m like, ‘don’t wait to do something.’ It’s something that will always stick, and he means the world to me.”
This powerful mantra has been a driving force for Bennett, both in golf and in life. And it's a mantra that business leaders can pull numerous lessons from as well.
Lesson 1: Be Decisive But Don’t Rush
Bennett's mantra serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action without rushing into decisions. As a young amateur golfer, Bennett has shown that he has the confidence to make tough decisions and take calculated pauses when necessary.
Bennett's decision to return to college for a fifth year, despite having a Korn Ferry Tour card waiting for him, demonstrates his willingness to think long-term. This decision also shows that he is willing to take the time to develop his skills and gain more experience before taking the next step in his career. This is a valuable lesson for business leaders who may be tempted to rush into action without fully considering the lasting consequences.
In the fast-paced world of business, there is often a lot of pressure to make quick decisions in order to stay ahead of the competition. However, it is important for leaders to step back to ensure actions align with the long-term vision of the company. Being decisive doesn't mean rushing into action without careful consideration. It means having the confidence and the courage to take action when the time is right, and not being afraid to take calculated pauses when necessary.
By taking a page out of Bennett's book, leaders can learn to be both decisive and thoughtful in their decision-making, ensuring that they make the best choices for themselves and their organizations.
Lesson 2: Allow Your Past to Influence You But Don’t Let It Define You
Bennett's story is a powerful example of how one can use their past experiences as a source of strength and motivation rather than allowing those stories to hold them back. The passing of his father was undoubtedly a profound experience for him, but he is choosing to not let that define him. He emphasizes that he is ready to move forward and create a new chapter in his life.
“It's been talked about for a while, and, you know, it's a great story, I hear it every day, but I want to try and move on from this,” Bennett said when asked by a local TV reporter about his dad on Thursday. “It's a good story, great, incredible, but I want to start talking about golf, and you know, I'm more than what's happened to me and what I've been through.”
In the business world, it's essential to let past experiences influence your decisions and actions, but it's equally crucial not to allow them to define you or hold you back. The past can provide valuable lessons and insights that can help you make better decisions in the future. However, dwelling on past failures—and even wins—can prevent you from taking risks and seizing new opportunities. I’ve met with too many businesses relying on the SALY model (Same As Last Year) which creates stagnation.
Strong leaders learn to use successes and mistakes as springboards for opportunities to evolve.
Lesson 3: Seize Opportunities But Stay Present in the Moment
Bennett’s performance at The Masters has thrust him immediately onto the world stage, with his social media following skyrocketing within hours of his opening round on Thursday. Rather than letting that distract him, he has remained focused on the opportunity at hand and isn’t letting his nerves get the best of him.
“I played steady golf,” he said Friday at a press conference, “Now, it’s time for me to go out and enjoy, soak it all in, be able to play the weekend at the Masters. I mean, growing up as a kid, if you would have told me that, I would have said you’re probably crazy.” We could have easily seen a Jean van de Velde style implosion, but instead his level-headed presence can be credited for his impressive second round.
Business leaders need to be opportunistic and, like Bennett, level-headed. Keeping your eyes open for opportunities and being ready to act on them when they arise is key to maximizing the potential of their organization. These opportunities can be a game-changer for a business, however, they can also create tunnel vision to the detriment of their companies.
Strong leaders know staying present benefits their team and their company. When a leader is fully present, they are more engaged with their team and can provide better guidance, support, and feedback. This, in turn, fosters a positive work environment, enhances team morale, and leads to better overall performance for everyone company-wide
Bennett's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and seizing opportunities. As leaders, we can all learn from his example and strive to make the most of every moment. By staying present in the moment, learning from our past, and making decisive choices, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and those around us. So, don't wait to do something - take action, seize opportunities, and make your mark on the world.
