Wednesday, July 09, 2014

The Election Season starts, at our clubs

At our sports clubs, it is that time of the year where the subject of annual Executive Committee Elections start to get discussed. The working of the clubs, member satisfaction, the impact on the Balance Sheet, potential candidates likely to stand  for elections and so on are talked about. Everyone has a point of view and stories to tell.

I was at the CCI earlier this evening. A brief visit to say hello to fellow members and catch up on chatter which I may have missed over the past couple of weeks due to work engagements and travel.  As most of you are aware, I have stood for EC elections over the past few years but have not been successful. However, I have been the only candidate with a focus on the structured development of the organisation, back office, administration, HR, IT & Systems (see 2011 note http://bit.ly/cci_silos). All in the interest of a better managed club, polite and efficient member services, increased member satisfaction and all, so that the management (my friends !) may look good, as well.

So, when I'm asked if I will stand again this year, despite the candidates deposit proposed to be increased to Rs. 1 lac, as per company law as I'm told, the response is in a counter question. Why are the areas of my focus being ignored over the past 5 years of recommendation ? Are any others willing to take the responsibility of the areas I have had my focus on ? Does it augur well for the club in the long run not to adopt best practices, particularly since operating expenses are on the rise ?

Friends and fellow members, to those among you who are keen that such efforts be made, it is my humble request to please work collectively to ensure that all candidates this year commit to proper organisation development - OD - (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_development ) and its implementation. It will be good for the sustained betterment of the club. In any event, we are fortunate to be members of this wonderful institution.

If there is such commitment among candidates, then I will keep out of their way to success. If not, I will most certainly stand for elections again !

It has never been my endeavour to be politically correct, but most certainly always, my hearts desire, to see that our august sports institutions do their best.

I had drafted and presented a vision statement at the AGM of December 2007. This was well received but then filed and forgotten. I thank our President, Shri. Sevantibhai Parekh, for resurrecting it in 2010.

The vision for the club - “To become a premier choice for members & their families to avail of sports and recreation facilities; encouraging participation, camaraderie, sportsmanship, networking, heritage, culture and appreciation of cuisine and the sensible development of necessary facilities and services for the same, all at reasonable costs.”

Thanks to all Committee members for their ongoing efforts.

Our club and its members must win ! Members may write in to me at mandaterajiv@gmail.com I am open to suggestions.

Thank you for your attention.

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