Who will lead our Association? Sid L. Scruggs, III International President 2010-2011 “Leadership is not optional; it is essential. It is essential for motivation and direction. It is the one ingredient essential for success of any institution or organization. Take away leadership and it isn’t long before confusion replaces vision. Employees or volunteers who once dedicated themselves to their tasks begin to drift. Enthusiasm fades, productivity lessens, and finally the whole operation grinds to a halt.” These are some of the opening thoughts by Charles Swindoll’s in his dissertation on Leadership The Essential Element. As indicated by the decreasing number of Lions and Lions Club throughout the United States, it is apparent there is a problem. Is community service no longer a relevant issue? Have we become a society that only thinks of one’s self? Has apathy set in? Where are the leaders? Why are we lacking leaders? Have we put obstacles in the path of potential leaders? Are we giving our potential leaders opportunities to gain experience for the next level of service? Are we treating our members with respect when they don’t agree with our ideas? These are questions that must have answers if Lionism in the United States is going to grow. Members and leaders are drawn to any organization based upon the group’s perceived image or its perceived value. From the very beginning Lions have been known throughout the world by our motto “We Serve”. With the importance and the value of service, why is there a problem with expansion or retention of our membership? The common trait of empathy, commitment and a willingness to help others has always been the motivational value of belonging to a service organization. An additional motivation is common fellowship with like minded individuals to be involved in something of true value. Involvement is the key to membership and leadership. Involvement coupled with leadership opportunities and commitment will produce leaders. As Lions are we involving our members in meaningful service? Are we training our members for effective leadership? Are we focusing on the wrong “aspects” of leadership? Are we training managers or are we training leaders? Have we trained all the potential leaders, or have we not invited potential leaders to join? There are several excuses for members not accepting leadership roles. These are: 1) a lack of time, 2) over involvement, 3) organizational procedures and inertia, and 4) expenses. When an individual says, “I don’t have the time”, is he or she saying that they are a poor time manager, or saying they don’t have time to change the way things are currently being done? Change at any level, especially needed change, is often difficult to accept. The excuse of “we have always done it this way” is just another way to say, “I don’t want to change” or “I don’t want to lose control”. The person who believes in the organization will focus on the value of the change and not on the effort to accomplish the change. When any organization ceases to evaluate and modify its efforts to the changing needs of the world around it, there is a real danger of that organization losing its effectiveness and its leadership. Organizations that will grow and be effective must have an atmosphere where individuals acknowledge shared objectives, have the opportunity to share creative ideas, are shown respect, and are empowered to take action. Jack Welsh of General Electric fame stated to his managers that if you hire someone of lesser quality than you, in three rounds of hiring we will be a second rate organization. My question is: Who are we recruiting to be members? Has our Association become a second rate organization? Each one must answer the question. We must make it easy to serve and have projects worthy of our efforts. We must help fill the apparent leadership void. We must be the leadership we want for our Association.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 06:22:46 +0000
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