President Ron Opening Leadership

It took courage for Rotary International (R.I.) President Ron Burton to utilize Open Leadership to express his thoughts on membership.  Rotarians, leaders within their own social fabrics, will agree or disagree with various parts of the thoughts he expressed.  I suspect President Ron knew that would happen,  I also suspect that he would welcome Rotarians getting excited enough to express their compliments and criticisms to him directly.

My previous Rotatorial commenting on President Ron's video drew compliments and complaints. Some said it was spot on; others were upset because I said one part was boring and that it lacked information.  Three district governors, members of President Ron's Faithful Team, asked that I remove their names from my distribution list.  To me, these actions reflect progress. Rotary leaders are reading, listening, voicing opinions, and taking action on membership.  Action of this nature is to be expected when Leadership is Opened.

    But let's discuss the all-you-Rotarians-out-there-need-to-do-is-ask-and-R.I.'s-membership-problem-will-be-solved silly conundrum. Examine this proposition:  You own, or are employed by, a business that loses over 14% of its customers every year; almost half of its customers in seven years (R.I.'s condition as of 2011.)  Do you put a priority on -1- Reminding existing customers to bring you customers to replace those lost or -2- Determining and addressing why your business is losing customers?

     Through Open Leadership, I am confident that 1.2 million Rotarians, if they are recognized and treated like the professionals they are, know the issues, are given accurate information, and receive professional support, will actively promote and support Rotary's Circle of Life because The Only True Measure of an Effective Rotary Club is its Ability to Retain and Attract members.