Mike Coslo wrote:

Carl R. Stevenson wrote:

"Brian" wrote in message
om...

"Carl R. Stevenson" wrote in message

...

"N2EY" wrote in message
...

Apparently they think that they cannot present the needs or want of
both camps until they come to a concensus.


The "c-word" is an excuse to do nothing.

No it doesn't. I've used consensus building for years. I don't do it
unless a decision *needs* to be made. I even use it in situations where
I have absolute dictatorial power, such as on my Ice Hockey team. I find
out what the guys think on a lot of the issues. Then as long as it makes
sense, and is within the rules I'll decide what they like. You'd be
surprised how well they listen to you when they *need* to when you
listen to them when you *should*.

The Finnish government is made up of numerous political parties. There
isn't much difference between most of them. Finns have typically
governed through concensus politics. This has been their way for
decades and they seem to have less trouble in getting things done than
we do.

Other BOD activities I've been involved in are run the same way -
although I don't have absolute power there! 8^)

On some things there may
never be consensus - should the ARRL do nothing? Leadership is
when one has the courage and wisdom to make a sound judgement
and then "do the right thing."

Sure, ya have to do that sometimes. Problem is that if you use that
courage and wisdom in the wrong way, you can find yourself on the
outside pretty quickly. Then you're a leader with no flock. No leader at
all.

Jimmy Carter comes to mind. Len Anderson comes to mind.

Otherwise, they could just do a web vote

familiar with web voting?

popularity contest on every issue and wouldn't need Directors ... the
staff could handle the whole thing ...

Leaders get usually get elected or appointed or whatever because they
have some values that appeal to those who are to be governed. The most
successful leaders I know ask for and get as much input as they can when
faced with decisions. Figuring that you know the answers and what you
know is right regardless is hubris.

As Phil Kane pointed out, there have been occasions when a "leader" in
the ARRL has been recalled. There've been other occasions when an ARRL
leader has been ousted in regular elections.

Dave K8MN