Leadership Challenges
4 November 2002

It would be safe to assume that neither the RI President or members of the Board of Directors, or for that matter, any RI Officers, district governors or Rotarians would be consulted in their capacity as such on whether an armed attack should be launched on Iraq so as to remove the capacity of the latter to deploy the weapons of mass destruction it reportedly has in its possession. Indeed, one wonders how Rotarians would react, collectively or individually, if that happened.

But Rotarians have for nearly a decade hold themselves out as champions of world understanding and peace; and indeed the United Nations Charter was drafted by two Rotarians.

Granted that Rotary is not a political organization although many Rotarians are actively involved in civic duties and public offices in their own communities and in the world, we would not expect Rotarians to hold rallies under the Rotary banner to campaign for political causes. On the other hand, many Rotarians worldwide are in positions that would enable them shape and influence public opinion. The question is whether these Rotarians would apply the 4-Way Test when such occasions arise.

There are leaders, including ones in service organizations such as ours, who are extremely capable and who would be remembered as the individuals who achieved certain projects in the days they were in charge. There are also leaders who worked quietly for the long term good of humanity in general and the organization they were put in charge in particular. They would not compromise, particularly on matters of principle; they would not hog limelight or cheap popularity and hence might not be popular; they came and went; and they left a legacy which often was not felt immediately, but would be, eventually, and often in times when the organization is searching for directions or when it faces challenges. The question is, whom do we want to be our leaders.

There are no obvious solutions. Each organization must know its strengths and weaknesses and be ready to adjust in the face of opportunities and threats. Our District and our leadership now faces unusual challenges. In such times, it helps if everyone would rally behind the leadership and put behind individual differences for the greater good.