MBA versus “MTA”? People often ask me what I get out of Round Table. The standard answer of fellowship, community Service, the opportunity to meet new people and travel are of course all true. I have however often reflect on the many others benefits that belonging to Round Table confer, often without us tablers even Realizing it. If you consider that time is becoming a scarce and precious commodity in our modern world, how we spend our time and what we achieve it, is of the utmost importance. Working in a corporate environment, I have many friends and colleagues who have completed management development courses and of course tat two years postgraduate degree is often seen as the ultimate business education backgrounds and industries. The courses in a typical MBA program are designed to introduce students the various areas of business such as economics, accounting, financial management, strategy, marketing, human resources, operations management, etc. MBA’s come in many shapes and sizes from many different institutions. They differ in course content and some MBA’s are believed to be better than others. They all have this in common though: • Substantial cost, which no all employers are willing to pay for, • Stiff admission requirements, including undergraduate study and/or appropriate management experience, interviews and reference. • Serious time commitment due to the numerous assignments that have to be completed in addition to lecture time. As a result most MBA’s find it extremely difficult to balance work and family commitments with their academic program. In fact most MBA’s social lives come to complete standstill for the time that it takes to complete the course. All MBA’s that I’ve spoken with however agree that the program enriched their lives far beyond the academic content assimilated. MBA graduates often work in syndicates to complete assignment, allowing them to draw from the experience and learn from fellow syndicate member’s experience in other industries and with different academic backgrounds. This is probably far more effective skills transfer than simple book studying. So how does all of this relate to Round Table? In my opinion the different portfolios a tabler may fulfill at club, area and association level, constitute a “mini-MBA” experience. Many tablers are inducted well before they reach the pinnacle of power and responsibility in their companies, as Round Table is a young men’s organization. In addition, many tablers are self employed or work in environments where exposure to management/ executive committee meetings, finance, people or projects management or strategy formulation will be minimal or non- existent. This is what makes the “Masters in Table Administration” or MTA so attractive. As tablers we do all these things and often achieve great results. While some tablers are blessed with experienced old hands, many others have to learn for and from them selves. We do this, not because we have to, or paid for the experience or because our careers on it, but because we volunteered. Our syndicate members are friends in table who share their advice, experience and support freely and without prejudice. It is a minimum risk study environment, because although the reputation of Round Table and our relationship with fellow tablers are at sake, we can theoretically walk away from the challenge at any time without career or family implication. As with MBA students, there are tablers who never graduate by becoming honourable 41’ers, but even the briefest of table careers provide benefits far outweighing the investment in time and effort. Like an MBA, tabling does require a time and financial commitment. This commitment however is far more flexible and scalable and allows for the important proviso that family and work must come first. For those that do see their table careers to its fullest conclusion, there is the satisfaction of a job well done and a life enriching experience that added far more value than just the fellowship aspect with which we’re so often associated. Although 41’ers rarely get a certificate to prove what they’ve achieve, it can often be deduced from the sort of friends, family and work colleagues they turn to be-a cut above the rest. When I think back on the portfolios that I’ve held in table, it is remarkable how many skills I’ve acquired that’s helped me in my professional life: As Table Chairman: Motivating and inspiring people (a.k.a “ass licking/ kicking”), public speaking, compiling and presenting proposals, chairing business meetings and strategy sessions, liaising with suppliers and external parties, organizing events, writing reports and dealing with disciplinary issues. Secretary: Compiling minutes of business meetings (surely one of the most difficult and important life skills), dealing with correspondence, administration and member communication. Treasurer: Preparing financials and budgets, administrating funds, dealing with the bank (is there a bigger challenge) and financial management – cash flow comes to mind! IRO/PRO: Dealing responsibly with the round brand, brainstorming and implementing marketing proposals, managing regalia, twinning relationships and travel arrangements. Constitutional advisor: Dealing with tabler’s other pet subject – motions, amendments, etc. Joe Tabler: Preparing project proposals, managing projects, motivating fellow Tablers, traveling, solving. South Africa’s and Round Table’s problems in theory with the aid to analysis tool (Captain Morgan), Traveling and managing interpersonal relationships – notably with my spouse! It is probably true that success in life (and business), will largely depend on person’s: • Ability to influence others through good communication skills, • Ability to strategise and conceptualise when there is nothing on paper and • Ability to motivate, inspire and empower people to get the job done! Isn’t it great to know that if you’re a male between 18 and 40 years of age, Round Table offers a full or Part-time Master’s in Table Administration at a campus (clubhouse) near you. Rates are affordable though non-refundable and you can choose your own curriculum from general principles of Management to finance, marketing, international relations or table law. Invest in your future – invest in an MTA. By Rudi Posthumus-Northridge 117
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 06:04:49 +0000
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