- Don’t participate beyond paying your dues — let “them” handle things. THEN COMPLAIN THAT MEMBERS HAVE NO VOICE IN MANAGEMENT.
- Decline all offices and committee appointments — you’re too busy. THEN OFFER VOCIFEROUS ADVICE ON HOW THEY SHOULD DO THINGS.
- If appointed to a committee, don’t work — it’s a courtesy appointment. ‘THEN COMPLAIN BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION HAS STAGNATED.
- If you do attend management meetings, don’t initiate new ideas. THEN YOU CAN PLAY “DEVIL’S ADVOCATE” TO THOSE SUBMITTED BY OTHERS.
- Don’t rush to pay your dues — they’re too high anyway. THEN COMPLAIN ABOUT POOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.
- Don’t encourage others to become members — that’s selling. THEN COMPLAIN THAT MEMBERSHIP IS NOT GROWING.
- Don’t read mail from headquarters — it’s not important. THEN COMPLAIN THAT YOU’RE NOT
KEPT INFORMED.
- Don’t volunteer your talents — that’s ego fulfillment. THEN COMPLAIN THAT YOU’RE NEVER ASKE, NEVER APPRECIATED.
- And if, by chance, the organization grows in spite of your contributions: GRASP EVERY OPPORTUNITY. TO TELL THE YOUNGSTERS HOW TOUGH IT WAS: HOW HARD YOU WORKED IN THE OLD DAYS TO BRING THE ORGANIZATION TOITS PRESENT LEVEL OF SUCCESS.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 28, 1985