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October 2008
TURF RUNDOWN
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SAFE Funds Research
The SAFE Foundation, STMA’s charitable arm, is funding a three-year traffic tolerance study of cool-season grasses on athletic fields. The research project is being conducted in conjunction with the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). The research project begins in 2009.
This project evaluates traffic tolerance and performance of cool-season grasses used on athletic fields under simulated football-type conditions. Although there are many species, blends and mixtures available to sports turf managers, there is very little information on their relative traffic tolerance and persistence under athletic field conditions. NTEP’s previous research evaluations on traffic tolerance was very limited. This project proposes to take the next step in athletic traffic evaluations, with more trial locations and comparative evaluations of species, blends and mixtures.
The project will provide practical information on the performance of cool-season species, cultivars, blends and mixtures used on athletic fields. Since the project will be conducted in several distinct geographical locations, information can be utilized by sports turf managers across much of the U.S. to help with decision-making on establishing new fields, renovating fields or overseeding existing stands.
NTEP has conducted similar projects in cooperation with the USGA and the GCSAA, either for putting greens or fairway overseeding. More information on these trials can be found on the NTEP website (http://www.ntep.org/onsite/ost.htm).
This is the first research project that the SAFE Foundation has funded. Its goal is to continue to provide substantial funding of research that will help sports turf managers with their work. SAFE also funds scholarship and educational efforts. To review SAFE’s 2007 Annual Report, click here.
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The 2-Minute Tip for Success
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By Justin Pinkerman
http://www.maximumimpact.com/
Behind the times. Stubborn. Anti-progress. Inflexible. Old school.
These are the monikers we attach to the people in our organizations that resist change. Seldom do we speak of the traditionalists in flattering terms. When was the last time you heard a colleague praised for displaying prudence or circumspection? We admire the innovators and futurists, not the purists.
In leadership, impeding change isn't trendy nowadays. Need evidence? Tune into the national news and watch political opponents jockey for position as the candidate of change. Sameness and stability are out; newness is in vogue.
As leaders, we face the daunting challenge of inspiring change. Consequently, the resistors of change can easily become our chief adversaries. We may see them as obstacles to be rolled aside, pushed uphill, or sidestepped and left to collect dust.
However, if engaged diplomatically, resistors may actually be a boon to leaders of change. By welcoming a degree of resistance, leaders sharpen their message for change, discover organizational rituals in need of preservation, and win over important allies. Before blindly alienating resistors, leaders should consider the possible upside of the loyal opposition.
Resistors Help Leaders to Refine Both the Message and Tactics of Change
"It is not that experience should shape the future but, rather, that such experience should be accessed to help shape the future more effectively."
Jeffrey Gandz, Managing Director of the Richard Ivey School of Business
When leaders turn a deaf ear to the experience of resistors, they deprive themselves of valuable repositories of knowledge and insight. Resistors who are veterans within the organization have likely witnessed failed attempts at change and are attuned to political dynamics hidden beneath the surface of the organization. Lively debate with those opposed to change may yield discoveries of previously unforeseen roadblocks. Even if resistors cannot be persuaded to join the cause of change, dialoguing with them refines a leader's understanding of how to communicate and enact change across the organization.
Resistors are Gatekeepers of Much-Needed Support
Change is notoriously messy. There are nearly always hiccups, delays, and headaches associated with the implementation of new systems. When resistors have not been courted in advance, these speed bumps serve as fuel for dissent. Vocal opponents of change rally behind the setbacks to undermine change.
Leaders are wise to invest time in listening to resistors' concerns, affirming their opinions, and seeking ways to co-opt them into oncoming changes. Oftentimes resistors can be persuaded by a leader's patient explanation, attempts at compromise, and personal appeal. By gaining the support of erstwhile detractors, a leader defuses the threat of widespread defiance to change.
Resistors Help Leaders to Preserve Positive Rituals
In a rush to usher in a new era, an incoming leader may unwittingly trample over an organization's established values and cultural heritage. Leaders are responsible to challenge the process and question underlying assumptions, but they are also wise to tread cautiously over the past. By scanning existing structures with a humble eye, they may spot time-honored rituals that promote unity or embody the company's identity.
If engaged on friendly terms rather than as enemy combatants, dissenters to change may be able to offer priceless insights into the power and significance of long-standing traditions. Resistors may be able to champion past practices so that they are integrated into the future rather than completely obliterated. By fighting to preserve what's best of the old order, resistors may actually facilitate the onset of change rather than impeding it.
Ideas for this article were drawn from Jeffrey Gandz's article, "Cherish the Resistors," featured on Ivey Business Journal. To access the article, visit Ivey Business Journal.
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News You Can Use
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Online registration for the upcoming 20th Annual STMA Conference and Exhibition, Jan. 13-17, 2009 in San Jose, CA, is opening Oct. 1.
There are more than 90 hours of education including the new Turfgrass Institutes I, II, and III on Wednesday (I,II) and Friday (III) (additional fees apply). Also, attendees enjoy more than 8 hours of dedicated time to explore the Exhibition and visit with the more than 130 companies.
New this year is the Ewing STMA Career Center, which will be hosting several speakers who will provide career advice and professional development tips. Some of the topics include crisis communication and the STMA PCI. As a special bonus, Keynote Presenter Steve Farber has agreed to stop by and present a half-hour session on Thursday about Extreme Leadership! If you need a private room to conduct an interview, the Career Center has them available first come, first served, and you can search for a job or post your résumé as well.
The SAFE Jacobsen Golf Tournament has been moved back to Wednesday, Jan. 14 and is sure to again be a great success. We are considering a new format for the tournament, which will be held at The Ranch Golf Club, so get your swing ready. The SAFE Jacobsen Golf Tournament has raised more than $50,000 for the SAFE Foundation in the last three years alone!
Back again this year is the SAFE Raffle and 50/50 drawing. We will have a 50/50 drawing each day, with 50% of the proceeds going to SAFE and the other 50% going in the winner’s pocket! Last year the 50/50 made more than $1,000 for the Foundation. The Silent Auctions will again be held on Thursday and Friday, with new items out each day. The SAFE Raffle and Live Auction will take place again on Friday night before the Annual Awards Banquet. Please send donated items for the SAFE Raffle and the Live and Silent Auctions to conference subcommittee member Raul Bueno, 15490 Calle Enrique, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, or bring them with you to San José.
To see the complete brochure, click here. To register online, click here, or you can download a registration form. You should be receiving a printed copy of the brochure next week. See you in San Jose!
Field of the Year/Scholarship Deadlines
Oct. 15 is the deadline for sports turf managers to submit Field of the Year entries and for students to submit scholarship applications.
The STMA Awards Committee meets on Oct. 25-26 in Kansas City, MO to judge the Field of the Year entries. Winners will be notified by Nov. 1.
The STMA Scholarship Committee independently judges the scholarship applications, provides scoring to STMA Headquarters where the scores are tallied, and then the Committee meets via teleconference to finalize the awards. Students will be notified by Nov. 15, if they are selected to receive a scholarship. The scholarships are funded through the SAFE Foundation, STMA’s charitable arm. If you are interested in helping to fund our scholarship, research and educational programs, click here to download a form to make a tax deductible donation to SAFE.
New STMA Industry Sourcebook Launched!
The new STMA Industry Sourcebook was officially launched last week! From bentgrass to zoysiagrass, and aerators to spreaders, the Industry Sourcebook is the place to find anything and everything you need for your fields.
STMA has partnered with leading publisher of online supplier directories, Multiview, Inc. of Irving, TX, to bring this new resource to the sports turf marketplace. The link to the Sourcebook has replaced the PowerLinks link on the STMA homepage, so easy and convenient access to the information you need to make decisions is just a click away.
Every STMA commercial member’s company is listed in the Sourcebook and is noted with an STMA logo. Several user-defined criteria such as Member, Association Sponsor, and Exhibitor, as well as one-click Request for Information (RFI) functionality, make the Sourcebook an amazing and efficient source of information for the sports turf manager.
“STMA clearly recognizes the benefits of aligning our members and decision makers with suppliers”, said Dale Getz, CSFM, CSE, and STMA Commercial Vice President. “The Industry Sourcebook saves professionals who specialize in the industry an incredible amount of time as they seek the resources they need.”
If you have any questions about the STMA Industry Sourcebook, please contact STMA Headquarters, at 800-323-3875, or STMAinfo@STMA.org.
Recommend a Peer for STMA’s Highest Honors
STMA is taking nominations for its highest honors, the Founders Awards. The four Founders of STMA each brought unique qualities and perspectives to create a strong and enduring association. To recognize the contributions of these special men, an Award has been established in each Founder’s name that reflects his interest and passions and is awarded at the STMA Annual Conference.
For information on the awards that pay tribute to founders Dick Ericson, George Toma, Dr. William H. Daniel and Harry C. Gill, click here. Fill out the form online or download a PDF. The form may also be found on page 45 of the September issue of SportsTurf. Nominations are due to STMA Headquarters on Nov. 1.
Help Set Benchmarks for the Industry
Take the STMA Compensation Survey that was sent to you electronically on Sept. 18. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete and will provide a reliable benchmark of sports turf manager and assistant salaries. The survey closes on Oct. 9th . Those who participate will receive an exclusive link to the results in early November. The survey results will be placed on the STMA members only side of the website on Feb. 1, 2009. In addition to helping to define the compensation levels of our profession and its corresponding influence, the survey results will provide trustworthy information for those who are changing jobs or negotiating compensation increases.
If you have any question, please contact STMA at 1-800-323-3875. A reminder with another link to the survey will be sent Oct. 2 to those who have not yet completed the survey.
STMA Hires New Education Position
STMA has added an assistant Education Manager to its staff. Effective today, Kristen Althouse, a Penn State grad and former STMA scholarship winner, will begin concentrating on the educational needs of the STMA membership and developing resources to meet those needs.
The STMA strategic plan focuses on the continuing education of our membership and delivering education that is relevant, affordable and accessible. To address this need, the STMA Board authorized the addition of a full-time employee to the current four-person staff. The Board’s vision is to advance STMA and the profession through educational offerings.
Althouse will telecommute from Pennsylvania where she was most recently an assistant golf course superintendent at Centre Hills Country Club in State College, Penn. She also worked on the Penn Sate grounds crew for Beaver Stadium. Her background includes project management, training, and sales and marketing.
Bylaws Ballots due Oct. 22
This week you should receive a mailing from STMA in an envelope stamped “TIME SENSTIVE VOTING MATERIALS ENCLOSED” . This is the official STMA ballot for you to vote to approve or reject the proposed bylaws. Please take a few minutes to review the background information included on the ballot, check out the comparison online, and vote. Ballots must be received at STMA Headquarters by midnight on Oct. 22, via US Mail, fax or electronically.
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