A very senior Lion recently mentioned that he missed "the good, old days of Lionism." I asked what did he miss and he mentioned that "the fellowship today is so different." Curious, I inquired further as to the difference and he sighed, and clarified that "the Lions today are so shallow. The sense of brotherhood, friendship and care for one another is missing. Last time, we used to really care for each other. When a brother is sick, we would not only visit him but ensure that he gets the best medical treatment... some of us were doctors or high-ranking officials and we can really pull strings at the hospitals! Today, if I get sick, the President and members would probably not even know, much less visit me!"
He went on to explain that Lions then used to be the cream of society and being invited to become one was a real honor and privilege. Almost all were well-to-do but when it came to charity, they would be generous, personally and through their strong connections. Fellowship also meant going out to do things together, like driving to the coast for a good seafood meal, bowling through the night, mahjong and gin rummy gatherings (my, my... isn't that gambling?), learning golf and tennis from the seniors, visiting clubs overseas and having so much fun that he couldn't wait for the next opportunity to meet. Today, he hardly ever goes to his club meetings because "it is boring, filled with disagreements, sometimes aimless and certainly fellowshipless!"
Fellowship is important to the life and vibrancy of a club. We learn that fellowship is one of the three pillars of Lionism (the others being leadership and service). For me, fellowship is when members meet regularly in an informal manner, even if it is only three or four persons. It is under such circumstances that members get to know each other better in a cordial atmosphere. A good time to unwind, relax and enjoy the fun and laughter that camaraderie brings. Extend this frequently to other members of the club and the whole club will experience a revival of sorts, ready for any challenge and raring to go. That's the reason why I encourage members to gather informally more often (some clubs meet once a month, some twice but in a formal manner). I suggest (and my club practises) a formal business meeting once a month (immediately followed by a BOD meeting) and informal 'social' meeting(s) that can be held in a member's house or at any other venue. The informal occasion can be for a good meal, potluck style or in a restaurant. Often, even by washing the dishes together (not leaving it all to the host!), members chit-chat and friendship develops. When that happens, care for one another begins.
I used to (and will still do) tell any incoming President and Secretary that they must know every member's house and/or office. Then they must keep calling and/or visiting every member regularly. Get to know the family as well. That is the beginning of a relationship. When a member fall sick, the President and Secretary must know it fast enough to show concern or to take action. We may come from different backgrounds and diverse networks or businesses but friendship knows no bounds. We must first learn to care for our fellow members before we can proudly say we care for others!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
LEADERSHIP
I have just returned from a Leadership Seminar on Skills, organized by DC-Leadership Shirley Koh in Petaling Jaya yesterday. The function was quite well attended (as seminars of this nature tend to go by) with nearly 60 Lions, Lioness and Leos present. Even DG Dato' Khoo Kay Huat and PDG Patrick Chew were present. I must applaud the efforts of DC Shirley in making the program interesting by adding a public-speaking contest. The three speakers included DC/DT Nicholas Seow (on Time Management Skills) and myself (on Communication Skills).
The third topic, presented by DC/DT Goh Ing King, was Leadership Skills. In one of the slides, a quote from John Maxwell struck me: "A Leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way." It made me reflect on my 20+ years of Lionistic history: do I really know the way, have I shown the way and am I going the way? Despite my 'seniority' or what some Lions think, I am still learning. As such, I don't really know everything but maybe a little more than the next Lion. I will not believe it if a 'leader' (especially if he/she is still young in age and Lionistic experience) tells me he/she knows everything and does not need any advice! For knowledge to be gained, one must put in efforts and sometimes, years of hard-earned experience. Seek the wisdom of others, look at things from a different angle (even from critics!) and do what is right.
When there are things to be done in my club, more often than not, I would usually be appointed to do it. For many years, I have found it an honor, and for those who were not appointed, a relief because they think they will never do it so well. In recent years, I make it a point to decline any appointment so that someone else will get to do the job. However, I will fully support the appointee to ensure the project is a success. I hope that my doing so is showing the way for others. I am proud that some of these 'proteges' have grown to be outstanding Lions and Leos. A Lion of 39 years recently told me that he has passed the age of showing others the way; no one looks up to him now. But I believe that as long as we remain as leaders, we have to show others the way, the right way.
Finally, do I not practise what I preach? I think I am going the way by being a leader for others, or rather, I am a leader because others keep following me! And for the right way to be practised, I have to keep going that way. I have to do it and do it right in order that others may learn to do what is right. For example, when no one in our District made any noise about the non-receipt of the monthly The Lion magazines from LCI this year (which we all paid for in our subscription), I took action by highlighting it to our DG, as a leader should. And as a good leader, he immediately took it up with LCI. Leaders DO and not just TALK about it or passing the buck to someone else.
A few Lions asked me recently if I will continue being a Trainer (my term ends 31 Dec 2007). I said 'yes' because I believe as long as I keep learning, I know the right way, I want to keep showing the right way to others and I will continue practising the right way, a leader by example!
The third topic, presented by DC/DT Goh Ing King, was Leadership Skills. In one of the slides, a quote from John Maxwell struck me: "A Leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way." It made me reflect on my 20+ years of Lionistic history: do I really know the way, have I shown the way and am I going the way? Despite my 'seniority' or what some Lions think, I am still learning. As such, I don't really know everything but maybe a little more than the next Lion. I will not believe it if a 'leader' (especially if he/she is still young in age and Lionistic experience) tells me he/she knows everything and does not need any advice! For knowledge to be gained, one must put in efforts and sometimes, years of hard-earned experience. Seek the wisdom of others, look at things from a different angle (even from critics!) and do what is right.
When there are things to be done in my club, more often than not, I would usually be appointed to do it. For many years, I have found it an honor, and for those who were not appointed, a relief because they think they will never do it so well. In recent years, I make it a point to decline any appointment so that someone else will get to do the job. However, I will fully support the appointee to ensure the project is a success. I hope that my doing so is showing the way for others. I am proud that some of these 'proteges' have grown to be outstanding Lions and Leos. A Lion of 39 years recently told me that he has passed the age of showing others the way; no one looks up to him now. But I believe that as long as we remain as leaders, we have to show others the way, the right way.
Finally, do I not practise what I preach? I think I am going the way by being a leader for others, or rather, I am a leader because others keep following me! And for the right way to be practised, I have to keep going that way. I have to do it and do it right in order that others may learn to do what is right. For example, when no one in our District made any noise about the non-receipt of the monthly The Lion magazines from LCI this year (which we all paid for in our subscription), I took action by highlighting it to our DG, as a leader should. And as a good leader, he immediately took it up with LCI. Leaders DO and not just TALK about it or passing the buck to someone else.
A few Lions asked me recently if I will continue being a Trainer (my term ends 31 Dec 2007). I said 'yes' because I believe as long as I keep learning, I know the right way, I want to keep showing the right way to others and I will continue practising the right way, a leader by example!
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