In an industry where networking, sharing information and continuing to learn are key, we delve into how turf managers can help each other.

Today, an abundance of information about turfgrass management is shared primarily online. This raises questions about how information was shared in the past, whether it was as openly exchanged, and if there is a greater risk to our health as we increase our use of work-related social media. 

The first time I used the internet was 1997 for my NVQ level 3 in Sports Turf Maintenance. I was in a college library researching drainage equations using Netscape on Windows 95. This experience was the beginning of my journey in using the internet to develop my knowledge. The internet today serves not only as a repository for documents but also as a platform for real-time information sharing.

In 1997, information sharing was limited to in-person meetings, phone calls, print publications, trade shows, VHS videos (like BIGGA’s ‘Raising the Standards’), and occasional seminars. The free-flowing peer-to-peer exchange of information was comparatively restricted, and the willingness to share openly wasn’t on the same international scale as it is today.

Think about the last time you viewed social media or online for something work-related. It probably wasn’t that long ago, perhaps reading this edition of Pitchcare! We use platforms like Google, social media, WhatsApp, iMessage, Teams, and Zoom for sharing and gathering information. These tools revolutionise the amount and speed at which we share information and communicate, becoming indispensable for research, opinions, debates, real-time discussions, troubleshooting, webinars, podcasts, blogs, video blogs, virtual conferences, online education, and sharing innovations.

Advancements in agronomical and playing surface analytics, including remote sensors, satellites, drones, robotics and specialist software, allow for more precise turf monitoring and management. This information can be easily shared with colleagues and experts, promoting a data-driven approach to turf management. The turf community now reaches far and wide and continues to expand. It’s impossible to quantify, but the aggregation of these technologies has greatly impacted playing surface quality, sustainability, knowledge, understanding, and communication since the 1990s.

However, while celebrating our technological achievements and the community of sharing, we must also recognise the issues. Personally, I use the internet extensively for work, whether sharing or consuming others’ information. This is very positive and beneficial, but sometimes I feel that I could share more, or conversely, that I may have shared too much. Occasionally, I get things wrong or change my mind and edit posted items. Sometimes I sense others are waiting for me to slip up, so I hold back.  Although this rarely affects my mindset, I assume this kind of anxiety impacts others’ mental health.

This anxiety could stem from a rebuff of an opinion, a strong outburst of negativity, a short-worded put-down, a misinterpretation,

a social comparison, or something inappropriate or even illegal directed at you.  This highlights the need for supporting mental health and general well-being for turf professionals. This necessity has become even more apparent in our digital age. The sombre aspects of online use, specifically social networks, can negatively affect mental health, stress, and overall well-being.

Despite these challenges, there are fantastic recent examples of online turf communities coming together, such as the recently formed Turf Equipment Technician Organisation (TETO) and Hive Learning, an important community hub for grassroots volunteers. These communities support each other and develop us all.

In summary, I believe since the late 1990s, digital technology has broken down geographical barriers, creating a more connected and informed community of greenkeepers and groundstaff that continues to come together. This has improved learning and development, collaborations, technologies, practices, and faster information flow. However, there may be a risk on our health to consider, as there is likely a correlation between excessive use of social media and mental health issues, though it may not be the primary cause. The focus on mental health education and support remains crucial during these times of wider and up scaling of turfgrass management online.

Dr. Jonathan Knowles
Head of Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City Football Club

 

Further education

Senior Assistant Greenkeeper, Craig Swindells, tells us how further education helps networking, career progression and how important it is to communicate within your team.

Craig graduated from the BIGGA FTMI (Future Turf Managers Initiative) Class of 2023 at BTME in January and we asked about his experience...

Have you kept in touch with anyone since graduating?

Yes, absolutely! I made so many new contacts including BIGGA team members, Jacobsen staff, the four mentors and, of course, the twenty other delegates. It was such a diverse group to share the process with; all with different backgrounds, working at different levels - from prestigious clubs to member clubs like myself. We all had lots of stories and experience we could learn from each other - both inside and networking away from the classroom.

How beneficial was the programme?

I can’t put into words how good it is. Since we graduated, many delegates have seen personal progression as a direct result of the course, including promotions and career moves. For me personally, it hasn’t opened that door of promotion yet, but it has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to be ready for that next move when the time comes. Until then, I am better equipped to communicate more effectively and understand the people who I’m working with more, how to treat them and get the best out of a team - regardless of what position I currently hold. Obviously, a lot of the course covers development and the skills required to progress into management positions, but there is also a lot of advice and elements that you can use day to day.

How important is communication within a team?

I’m a firm believer in; “you’re only as good as your weakest link!” So, share what you know and involve your staff in what’s going on. It will solidify the team and make each person feel important and valued - meaning you will get the very best out of your staff. If you go to a seminar or an education day, sit the team down and share what you’ve learnt.

Some greenkeepers may not want to share everything, due to being fearful of their job - if the greenkeeper directly below knows just as much, then why are they needed?

“Knowledge is Power” only applies if that knowledge is shared and not held onto! 

Craig Swindells 
Senior Assistant Greenkeeper, The Bristol Golf Club

 

Turfcare = relationships

The scope, intelligence and influence of technology has changed most elements of modern life. In the professional groundcare sector, the impact of data and digitisation has improved efficiencies and the accuracy of most day-to-day operations including moisture testing, GPS and autonomy, even the allocation and tracking of labour, stock and resources.

With so much of modern turfcare now dominated by data, and the ease of being able to share that information with others, what is sought and desired by consumers when it comes to making purchasing decisions has changed the fundamentals of marketing for suppliers and manufacturers. 

The 4P’s of product, price, place and promotion are now widely considered to have been surpassed by the 4C’s - consumer requirements, cost, convenience to buy and communication - reflecting the need to shift the emphasis of strategies away from marketing products to building and reaffirming relationships with those within

their marketplace. This has resulted in a change to both ‘what’ is communicated and ‘where’ in the formation of a successful marketing strategy.

Looking firstly at the ‘what’, the significant capital investment means companies cannot ignore the product, however, the data-driven approach adopted by professional grounds departments demands more from prospective suppliers, with bold and unsupported sales spiel carrying little weight. The need to create a business case forces manufacturers to be more transparent with the facts and figures, such as battery run times, field longevity of fertilisers and chemicals or the results and rankings of cultivars in turf trials. In these numbers, deals are often won or lost. 

There is also a need to promote a status or image that the operator can gain from using the product or services, in strategies similar to what we see in other sectors from the likes of Apple and Coca Cola. This puts a greater emphasis on quality photography, brand endorsements and extends to influencer-style marketing.

In terms of the ‘where’ - the answer is everywhere - well, as far and wide as budgets and resources allow! Brands and their respective information have never been more accessible, and the ability to compare and contrast offerings has never been easier. So, with the appetite for data satisfied, what makes one company stand out over another? In this industry, it comes back to the relationship.

We have always been, and remain, consumer-centric, and today there are more opportunities than ever to network - be that at demonstrations, open days or trade shows. Communication with companies and brands can now be sustained when not face-to-face, thanks to social media, with a customer’s ability to reach out and receive a reply from manufacturers pretty much 24/7. The ability to have this two-way dialogue, together with posted content, builds an online brand personality and starts that relationship building way before a transaction has even taken place.

The digital platforms on which to market also provide a wealth of feedback for the manufacturers, providing data on views, impressions, clicks, engagements, web traffic… the list goes on. This real-time traceability gives manufacturers the ability to review effectiveness and allocate resources accordingly, ensuring that knowledge is shared in the market in the most efficient way, and so the cycle continues. 

Louise Challiss 
Managing Director, Pan Publicity Ltd

 

 

Connecting is key!

Mark Simmons has prided himself in networking throughout his career, and thinks it’s vitally important to learn from each other!

He commented: “No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are, none of us know everything. Someone may be experiencing issues they have never come across, and you may be able to help. Building a ‘we are all in it together attitude’ is what I love about the industry.” 

“Industry events are always a good place to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Many interactions on social media and WhatsApp are people I have never met, so it’s good to finally catch up in person when shows come around.”

“It’s also important to learn and continue to broaden your knowledge. Educational events are fantastic, but the support and knowledge sharing from others is invaluable and, together, we all become better.”

Mark highlighted how networking has changed over the past ten years: “It is 100% more open now compared to previous years. In the past, there may have been a ‘don’t help them mindset’ as they are our competitors, which was very negative. The industry has changed for the better with people sharing ideas, advice and experiences to aid fellow greenkeepers/turf managers in producing the best possible surfaces. I have both received and provided information and advice, and it’s fantastic; social media has been a game changer and we have better greenkeepers on the back of that.”    

Mark Simmons 
Head Greenkeeper at Monmouthshire Golf Club

 

Doctor in Turf viewpoint

How important do you think it is to learn from each other when working in turfcare?

In one word ... VERY, learning from each other is vitally important. Sharing knowledge, techniques and experiences helps us to improve practices, solve problems more effectively, and lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of turfgrass management. This allows us to enhance the overall quality of our sports surfaces and playing experience.

Do you find industry events useful to network and engage with others?

Absolutely!  I have personally been to numerous events and they are extremely useful for networking and engagement. You can meet and have good conversations with turfcare peers, exchange ideas, learn about new technologies and techniques, and stay updated on industry trends. 

Do you think people have become more open to spreading advice and information compared to ten years ago?

Yes, when I started in the industry in the 1980s, there were very few opportunities for meeting or interacting with other greenkeepers etc., so there was very little sharing of advice or opinions. The rise of social media and online forums has made a significant impact on how we exchange information, making it easier to disseminate knowledge and connect with others. This then leads to a greater sense of community and a willingness to help one another succeed.

Is networking a key aspect of being able to learn in turfcare?

Absolutely. It helps individuals stay informed about best practices, emerging trends and technical advancements. Networking also provides a platform for mentorship and collective problem-solving.

Should people be open to advice from people outside of their own club?

Yes, I think this is essential. External perspectives can offer new techniques and solutions that might not be considered otherwise. It encourages a more comprehensive and innovative approach to turfcare.

Have you ever felt restricted in terms of the opportunity to network?

No. I have always been active in communicating, but some individuals may feel restricted in networking opportunities due to various factors such as geographical location, limited access to industry events or company-specific policies. However, accessing online platforms and virtual events has helped mitigate some of these restrictions, providing more opportunities to connect with the broader turfcare community.

John Dempsey, PhD, BSc (Hons)
Turfgrass Scientist

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Set healthy boundaries with social media?

Here are seven ways to help you have a healthier relationship with social media.

1. Be selective of who you follow
   If you’re feeling low after spending time on social media it might be time to look more closely at the accounts you’re following. Unfollow or ‘mute’ accounts that annoy or upset you, or that make you feel bad in any way.
2. Avoid comparing yourself to others
   Comparing your own life to those that you see online can make you feel low. Try to remember that what we see on social media isn’t always true to life. And everyone has good and bad days, but we don’t often post our bad days online.
3. Set time limits
   One of the best ways to keep your relationship with social media healthy is to limit your use. Many phones now have settings where you can ‘lock’ certain social media apps after a length of time. This can be useful for limiting your time spent scrolling and make you more aware of how much screen time you’re having.
4. Switch off
   Another way to help you limit your use of social media is to turn off your notifications. It can be distracting hearing alerts arriving to your phone and can make it more difficult to have time away from a screen. Silencing these alerts can help you be more present in your life offline.
5. Give back
   If you’re passionate about a cause, why not use your social media presence to promote it? This can be a great way to support charities and help give back to the community.
6. Connect with your interests
   If you’ve got a hobby that you enjoy, or there’s something you’d like to learn more about, social media can be a great tool. Follow accounts you’ve got shared interests with and use social media to grow your knowledge.
7. Focus less on likes
   Some people might find that the number of likes they receive on photos affects their mood. Why not try ‘hiding’ the number of likes you receive on Instagram by changing your settings. This might help to take your focus off the numbers.

Source: Bupa.co.uk