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[65GT]

For those that know the history, Phil Pons, was to be the Region 2 President starting in July of '09.  He recently resigned as Region 2 1st VP for personal reasons (and both Phil and Diane's health are GREAT [the obvious question that comes up]).

If you know the history, Phil and I had a rocky relationship, I'm guessing, at least until I actually got to meet him and spend some time with Phil and his wife Diane, at the Perry International.  So prior to that, I guess I was one of Region 2's problem children (anybody else?).  Phil would probably tell you that I'm maybe not all that bad, and that I've gotten much better since Diane has me on a short leash (Phil should like that one). 

In any event, Phil had written an article for the Blue Beret.  A part one to a three part series.  It has yet to show up in the Blue Beret, and with all of this bad news (membership renewals, low registrations for Madison) you'd think this set to be topical, no?  Well, it doesn't really matter, does it? 

In Phil's second paper, Leadership for the Future, he writes, "Ideally, the entire membership must face these issues but I am not able to reach that audience."

I stepped in and offered to help Phil get his papers online, so that members everywhere could read them.  If you find this set of value to your membership, I'm sure Phil would give you permission to publish these in your newsletter, if you're looking for material.  You can easily contact Phil -- his email address is in the 2009 Membership Directory.

I'll give everyone a couple of days to get through these, but if you'd like to start a discussion -- the reply key is down there somewhere...

Just in case my attachments don't line up correctly, the order is:

1. Change Within Organizations
2. Leadership for the Future
3. Concerns for WBCCI

[RideAir]

Glad to see Phil standing up and saying much of what has been said in the past by the rank and file. It’s just sad that he will not be moving up the chain to maybe help make some of it happen. I’m sorry to say, I only see two of the current IBT leaders whom even get it. One almost has to stand up and repeat the words of Ronald Reagan:

“Mr. Gobachev, “Tear down this wall”

Nothing will change in terms of membership numbers until the image of the WBCCI changes. As said before, the IBT Prez could easily state in the next Blue Beret:
 “As of now, the WBCCI is going to a more “relaxed” look and feel. Those that wish to continue to dress in a more “formal” look are welcome to do so, but those wishing to wear a more “relaxed” look are welcomed as well. I only ask, that everyone respects the dress of others during this time of transition”
This would do more than anything to promote good will and to show everyone the WBCCI is moving in the right direction.

Maybe with this work, Phil too will become one of the “bad boyz” of Region 2.

Paul Waddell
Region 2 VAC Guy

[wheel interested]

Excellent papers, very well written and in my opinion expresses the situation accurately.  I think it would make the IBT uncomfortable to publish it in the Blue Beret, something akin to becoming flushed when words hit home too expressly to the core, killing them softly with his words.  I am glad I had the opportunity to read Phil's writings.

It will be difficult for someone to serve alongside of managers upholding the status quo and then be the one to try to lead change, or even lessen resistence.  Initially there would be the majority in opposition and the strength and attitudes and lastly the tactics of those in concerted effort would seem an unpleasant duty.  Secondly spending much time in yoke with what you do not agree with and simultaneously being expected to accept and endorse and be ever cognizant of your unsupported if not disparaged standing would be even tougher and wrought with extreme frustration and tension and the possibility if not probability to become a target of abuse or misuse, eh Bob?

[66Overlander]

Excellent Stuff!  #1 & #2 are good setup for #3 with gets to points many in the rank and file have been making for years, but it does so in a clear and concise way.  The fact that we have (had) a WBCCI Leader that is now able to publicly say these things is a great step!

I will note that there are at least some current and upcoming IBT Leaders that understand some of these concepts, but they do work in a system that discourages change and opposition.  A couple of weeks ago, the Region 4 President sent Phil's first paper to me and we talked a little about it.  That was great!  I count JJ as one Leader who clearly understands that change and modernization are required in WBCCI, but I also know he is not the only current or upcoming Region President that does so.  The question is are we reaching a critical mass of such leaders so that some constructive change can begin to happen?

[Safari57]

Very good reading and recommendations by Phil.  I come from the executive and consulting world as well and see in his comments many of the critical factors that most organizations today are being forced to take to heart for their survival.  Thank you Phil for putting these notes together.

Barry