We have all heard the age-old question: “Are leaders born or made?” The answer, in my opinion, is yes.
I believe leaders have an inborn desire to serve. The traits and skills to become a great leader can be taught. The PGA of America is our Association; if we want our Association to grow and serve our membership, it’s on us. There is not some giant hidden force out there deciding the success of our Association. Many members have stepped forward as volunteers to lead our Association. Because the leaders are volunteers, we are constantly searching for more new leaders to step forward and serve.
If you are a member interested in serving our Association but not sure you have the skills, PGA LEAD is a great way to develop your leadership skills.
What is PGA LEAD?
PGA LEAD is a Leadership Development Program for PGA Members. Do you have the desire and passion to share your diverse ideas, be involved on committees at the Chapter, Section, and National levels of the Association, run for office, or become a volunteer leader within PGA of America governance? Do you want to learn about enhancing and elevating your brand, facilitate a board meeting, or become a more engaging public speaker? If so, then PGA LEAD may be the leadership development program for you.
PGA LEAD started in 2016, and every two years, a new class (Cohort) is formed. Since the program’s onset, the PNWPGA Section has led the way with more members selected than any other Section in the PGA.
What has PGA LEAD meant to the PGA of America? Thirteen PGA LEAD members have ascended into PGA Section Board positions, including one Section President, three Section Vice-Presidents, and one Section Secretary. In addition, Nineteen PGA LEADers are serving on PGA National Committees for the 2019-2022 term. I also serve on the National Board of Control.
PGA LEAD is accomplishing our mission; however, this success will only continue if new leaders step forward. The application deadline is rapidly approaching: September 17, 2021.
If you are a member with more than one year of service, I encourage you to apply for PGA LEAD. Not only will you get excellent training and development, but you will also frequently meet with the Senior Leaders of the PGA of America. Within the family of PGA LEADers, you will establish relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. Please see the attached PDF for more information on PGA LEAD and a link to your application.
Please stay safe, reach out, and contact someone you have not seen or talked to in a while,
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section