Executive Check-Up

Upon the initiative of the Board of Directors, the Rotary Club of Manila will undergo an executive check-up this month, with a General Assembly scheduled to be held on October 26.

Just like the human body, every organization also needs a routine examination of its state of health to identify existing or potential risk to one’s well-being. For individuals, going through regular medical checkups allow doctors to detect or pick up signs of ailments or diseases that the person may not even know to exist. With an annual executive checkup as well as routine screenings, the doctor will have the opportunity to diagnose potentially severe or life-threatening conditions and prevent any kind of risks before it is too late.

As we know, many conditions -- such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers -- have a high rate of successful treatment when detected early. Indeed, regular physical examination reduces the risk of getting sick, manages complications from an existing ailment, and improves one’s chances of recovery when already going through treatments.

The same is true with companies, business entities, or civic organizations such as the Rotary Club of Manila. Unmistakably, it will be helpful for the First Club in Asia to go through an organizational diagnosis to assess its current state and performance, as well as identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. The benefits of a check-up, according to some experts, include: “a) a fresh look at what's working and what's not, with an opportunity to fix issues before they became debilitating; b) enabling the leadership to get on the same page regarding organizational priorities; and, c) building renewed confidence that the organization will continue to gain strength, year after year.”

As most human endeavors are products or cooperative efforts, the pursuit to attain an enviably healthy condition for RCM requires the valuable inputs and contribution of all the members. Towards this end, the Board has circulated a health checklist as a feedback mechanism for members, and for the latter to be able to make an honest assessment as to the Club’s state of health. It is important that Manila Rotarians give their honest and constructive feedback, and revert back with their duly accomplished survey form. The members’ feedback will also help the flow and emphasis of the discussion during the General Assembly.

When the Board decided to undergo an organizational audit of the Club’s health condition, the objective is to identify gaps and ways to address them, and not to point fingers at individuals. The purpose is to collectively determine and work for a cure through strengthened collaboration, and not to cause division or harbor resentment. The goal is realistic – achieve progress, not perfection.

The Rotary Club of Manila has good bones; there is no doubt about it. As Asia’s oldest club now puts itself under a microscope for a timely examination of its health, the membership must, with fortitude and faith, be ready to take the needed medication and swallow the proverbial bitter pill to arrest any identified malady or impediments to achieve its desired pink-of-health condition.