I really do hope this will be the last posting I make to this site! 

Let me first pass my congratulations to everyone that has contributed to the current position where we are able to look forward to a future for the National WIA. There are many unsung heroes in this debate, it doesn’t matter who has done what, it is the totality that achieves the objective. Well done everyone!

The reports from the first meetings of the WIA’s new directors are very encouraging. They actually seem to have spent most of their time talking about policies and management changes relevant to the future development of Amateur Radio in Australia. No personality clashes, no politics! Wow, what a change!

This is the standard of direction that we as members should expect and demand! We must be sure to appoint to run our organization people who have the background and personal skills required to direct.

Many of the people I have called dinosaurs are not essentially bad people. They have not deliberately set out to damage the WIA. They have just been operating beyond their level of expertise. They often make it sound good.

Those of us with the required skills set can see the flaws. However, those with the skills are often too busy or too impatient to play the silly political games so enjoyed by some. It is our responsibility as members to make sure that those we elect as directors can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

How do we do that?

Look at the persons CV. 

Things to look for:

• Experience at senior management levels in a larger organization

• Experience at board level in something bigger than a small family company.

• Experience at negotiating a position

• Experience in money management

• Specific training in things like accountancy, law, voluntary organizations management and marketing when combined with one or more of the above may be useful

• Active radio amateur – more than a hand held on the local repeater.

 Things to avoid:  

• Political experience without any of the above positives.

• Anyone who threatens others with legal suits etc.

• A reputation for being rude.

• Anyone who promises too much

Non of the above positives should necessarily exclude someone without those skills. However, if the person lacking the skills seems from their presentation of themselves to be better than someone who has the skills. Then beware! Proceed with caution!

Let us now put the past behind us, make the dinosaurs extinct and move on to deal with the real and important challenges facing Amateur Radio over the coming decade.

Martin Luther VK7GN
August 2004

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