PROPER COMMUNICATION can cause a ton of stress on you and the field . Coming up with a plan to make these events run smoothly can make everyone happy . Also , when you do get some face time , put away your favorite dirt-and-sweat-stained hat , and put on a polo shirt and khakis , at least . Dressing the part shows how serious you are about your profession , the department , and what you have planned up for the next year or years to come . 4 . Talk the talk . Let ’ s face it , if we try to explain our soil sample report to our bosses , they will fall asleep . Explaining the whys , hows and whats of our jobs will go over their heads and will be more than likely deemed unnecessary because they don ’ t understand what you need . Try to make “ dirt talk ” into “ numbers talk .” Taking what you know and stating it in a way that is a little easier to digest will help them understand your struggles , and hopefully get you what you need . When talking with your boss , use the research from your notes and the communication you ’ ve had with vendors to discuss problems you have encountered or the new equipment you want to purchase . Develop multiple solutions on how you can remedy a concern . If you need a new piece of equipment , explain how it could positively affect other departments and how it can save the organization money down the road . Making a PowerPoint presentation is a good way to clearly communicate what you need , and it provides visual information on what exactly you are talking about . During those talks , a good way to explain what you are talking about is to physically show them the concern . Also , provide a rundown of the good , the bad and the
ugly . Try not to bombard them with what ’ s broken or that everything is a hunk of junk . Hearing some good news on how you are spending your money wisely and what ’ s going right is news they want to hear too . It will keep them from thinking you are a “ negative Nelly ,” and help shine a light on how your department runs .
While I was with the Great Lakes Loons , we desperately needed new batting practice protectors . The old ones were too big , and the grommets were completely ripped off , causing a trip hazard . One day while my GM was around the cage for batting practice , I explained the issues and physically showed him our concern . I also had some mock-ups for new ones with our logos on them sent to him , and I got what I needed the next year . ( We were hosting the All-Star Game the following year , so timing was everything .)
We all do things differently and have different approaches to building budgets and communicating our needs . Hopefully you are already doing these things and have found success ; or you can take some of these concepts , apply them , and see what works best for you . SFM
Kelly Rensel , CSFM , is head groundskeeper for the Buffalo Bisons , the AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays . He has worked in Minor League Baseball over the last 14 years , and has a Sport Administration degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania . Follow him on Twitter at @ kelren31 . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com November 2021 | SportsField Management
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