There’s something uniquely creative about golf that often goes unnoticed. We tend to think of creativity in terms of artistic expression, but in reality, creative thinking is just as vital on the course as it is in the studio or boardroom. In my years of golfing, I’ve come to appreciate how the sport nurtures creativity in a very real way.
Golf constantly presents us with problems that require out-of-the-box solutions. How do you get around that cluster of trees or deal with a strong headwind on the final hole?
The key lies in ‘cognitive flexibility’, the ability to adapt your thinking to new situations, much like you would when exposed to a different culture. According to research by Leung and Chiu (2010), those who regularly engage with new environments become more adept at creative thinking because they’ve learned to consider different perspectives.
This idea resonates deeply with me as a golfer and a leader. When I’m on the course, I’m forced to be creative, to try new techniques, to change my approach depending on the conditions. It’s this creativity that I bring back to the business world as well.
Playing in different settings and being exposed to various challenges on the golf course fosters a mindset of innovation, which translates directly into my leadership at In The Swing Leadership.
If we want to lead differently, we need to think differently—and golf is a great way to develop that mindset.
