EGM observations & thoughts

I attended my LC's EGM today as an observer; but in the end helping to tabulate the votes & of course announcing the results by splashing lots of water on candidates who successfully passed the vote of confidence. It felt just different attending the EGM at this point of time, in my role now - you get to see these eager young people running for leadership roles in the organization.

There are a few things which I noticed and wanted to share.

1. "to discover and develop your/my/our potential"
In many of the candidates' opening speeches, this phrase is very much used! And to me, it seems that it comes so naturally for them to say it. When the global descriptor was introduced in 2004, there was much education done in educating the global network on the global brand. As it was "new", not many people used it nor truly understand it and some even criticized it. But today, I see it being integrated so much in what we do, and how we position ourselves visually and verbally ;)

2. passion & inspiration
Two of the most common used words in candidates' opening speeches. This is something which hasn't changed much ever since I joined the organization. Members who are running for leadership roles in my LC are still very much connected with these 2 words. It would be interesting to have a challenge worldview session on passion VS skills - which is more important to be a leader? I wonder what the current members' point of view might be ;)

3. exchange
I was caught back when more than 80% of the candidates stated that leading the exchange area would be their top choice! Wow, the trend has definitely changed. Few years back, you get loads of candidates applying for Talent Management in my home LC. Hmm... why a change in trends? I don't have a clue but it's just interesting to note this change.

4. language proficiency
There were some candidates who did not speak well and some less proficient in English. It does take a great deal of courage to stand in front of a plenary to give your opening speech in a language you yourself know that you need help with. And at that point of time, it kinda reminded me of Jiann when both of us were running for LCVP.

5. atmosphere
A thought was playing around my mind as I was asking myself whether the atmosphere was inspiring as I remembered it to be. Hmm... one thing for sure that the EGM was normal compared to what I've experienced in another country. However, the question of it being inspiring? - that is something I wasn't sure of. I remembered that it was truly inspiring for myself when I ran for LCVP - it could be a personal experience & perception! However, I kinda felt the same when I was running for MC as well. And I had this connection when I witness the MC elections at WNCF 2007. But just didn't have that same feeling today. Well, concluded that it could be that I just didn't know the candidates well enough to have a special connection to it ;) But would say that in general, the atmosphere was good!