I personally witnessed the most uncool, unprofessional action today. I belong to a networking and leads group. I won't specify since this action would stain the national reputation. During our meeting, one of the local directors publicly humiliated our chapter's vice president. He had requested that both I and the vice president provide a solid testimony as an example to the members. I finished my testimonial and then the VP stood to give his. The director forgot what he asked the VP to do and rather than just letting him finish and moving on with the meeting, he told the VP to sit down like a dog--in front of sixty people. I couldn't believe it.
No, wait, I could.
This isn't the first time I've seen power-hungry organizational leaders. To all of you people out there in leadership positions in professional organizations, please get over yourself. For goodness sake, do you think you're running a pre-school? I've been through this time and time again, and it's old. First of all, when I pay dues to an organization, I'm doing it because I want to be there. My mother is not putting me on a bus, and, in fact, I drove there. I'm old enough to buy beer and I certainly know how to behave in public (forget the fact that one of my fellow members pointed out that I had my shirt on backwards and I had to sneak to the bathroom to turn it around; I can't be a complete adult all of the time, I guess). I've been in a leadership position in just about every professional organization that's had me. So to those of you out there who feel the need to get your jollies from talking down to me or other members, remember that we must have more a life than you do.
I have this theory about professional organizations that says that there are two kinds of people in them: the movers/shakers/overall busy people who work for a living and then there's the people who have nothing better to do than live the organization. Some people call them dedicated. Some people call them eccentric. I just call them pathetic. These are the kind of people who cannot understand that there's life and business after the meeting. When I left the meeting today, I made conference call, published a Web site, and fed my kids dinner.
When you are in a leadership position in a trade organization, please remember that we're all adults. Making an ass of yourself only keeps other professionals from joining. For example, I've already heard that at least four people who attended today will not joining our organization because of this directory. It's a shame because we have a good group and I do make money from the referrals I receive from fellow members.
Leadership is about leading by example not showing your ass. I can take my money I paid this organization and buy an iPod; I will if this keeps up. My dues are due next month and I have a decision to make.
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Wretched Human Mirror by Bloodbath