The Importance of Planning Ahead (Part I)

In striving for a more effective, strong and vibrant Rotary Club, one thing we cannot underestimate is the importance of planning ahead. Through planning, the club tries to arrive at specific, measurable and achievable goals which can fit within a realistic time frame. We try to define tasks as well as define roles in order to minimize confusion but also redundancy of efforts. It will also prevent disillusionment of members whose expectations were sorely not met.

Perhaps you will agree with me that in the past, we have witnessed certain Rotarians, whom due to either lack of knowledge or worse, lack of motivation, gave perfunctory or mere token performances, gave the bare minimum of what is required and contented themselves with a brand of mediocre attitude which is contrary to our cherished Rotary ideals. Anyone disillusioned by such kind of Rotarians left the club or left Rotary altogether. Sad but true. And mind you, this is not meant as an indictment of what has been achieved by our worthy and esteemed predecessors. Rather, by advocating change, we are only recognizing the ever-present realization that there is always room for improvement, all in the spirit of the oft-repeated Rotary adage, “The best is yet to be.”

Indeed, we recognize the exemplary achievements made by those who toiled before us. However, we also feel the need to go above and beyond. These changing times also call for changes in ourselves, in the way we do things – in the way we think. It is in these times (and I mean this especially because it is our Centennial Year), that we find the need to walk the extra mile; we find the need to be the bigger person; we need to build bridges of peace and tear down walls of apathy, disunity and conflict. We need to do away with mediocre-thinking which often leads to failure and disappointment. We need to raise awareness and get involved. As they say, we need to walk our talk and instill in ourselves a sense of duty and commitment to our club and to the entire organization.

Again, Rotary’s task is highly achievable through effective planning and through instituting practical, reasonable and meaningful changes to enhance club performance. I will elaborate further about effective club planning in my future articles. These are a few points I could suggest to aid a club in effective planning.

The first of which is communication. We have previously mentioned that the planning process involves defining tasks and roles to avoid redundancy of efforts and waste of our resources. I am sure everyone has an opinion to share and all are encouraged to participate in free-wheeling discussions. However, only discussions are welcome, not contentions. Criticisms must always be objective and fair. In our efforts to find creative solutions to problems and obstacles encountered, it is imperative that we preserve the bonds of friendship cultivated over many years of fellowship. It is very important to let your voice be heard in the planning process and follow through in the implementation stage of any endeavor or undertaking. If things fall through the cracks and disappointments surface, at least you were involved in the creation of your own destiny. Every member is encouraged to share knowledge and experience – to be able to utilize the best practices in the past.