One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about being a great employee came from an experience while working at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course. On a busy Saturday morning during peak season, the course was fully booked and running behind schedule due to earlier weather delays. Tensions were high, and one foursome was visibly frustrated after being told their tee time would be pushed back.

At the time, I was responsible for managing check-ins and keeping the pace of play organized, while also making sure customers still felt respected despite the inconvenience. Rather than rushing through the interaction or offering a generic response, I took the time to listen to their concerns and acknowledge their frustration. I clearly explained what caused the delay, gave them a realistic estimate for when they would be able to tee off, and offered complimentary range balls so they could warm up while waiting. I also coordinated with the pro shop to help stagger upcoming groups more efficiently.

By the time the group headed to the first tee, their frustration had eased noticeably. After their round, one of the golfers thanked me for handling the situation professionally and mentioned they would be bringing friends back to the course. This experience reinforced the importance of communication, problem-solving, and customer-focused thinking—skills that help me contribute positively in any workplace.