Monday, August 23, 2010

Last Place? Doesn’t Matter.

As the debate rages on about the PASS election I want to share my thoughts about being a candidate that was eliminated and the fact that scores were released to the public.

First I want to thank everyone who has supported me both publicly and privately throughout the election process.  I had support and advice from many members of the community and it is appreciated and I hope to continue working with you.

This year’s election process is the first where the applicants’ scores and applications have been released to the public which I believe is the right thing to do.  Here are the links to the scores:

Honestly, it stinks to see my scores at or near the bottom.  Obviously being one of two interviewees to not be recommended, I knew I didn’t have high scores or a bunch of votes, but it would have been nice to have had a yes vote.  In the not too distant past, I would have been crushed by these results, but today I can say that I see this as an opportunity for professional growth.  These scores are guidance by seven intelligent and experienced professionals about areas where I can become a better leader.  How many people can say that they have that opportunity?

I’m a Bible believing Christian and try to live by the wisdom in the Bible.  Here are a couple of verses I read BEFORE the results were known:

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.”  Proverbs 15:31 NLT

“Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold”  Proverbs 25:12 NLT

I think the scoring can be used constructively and is valid and I’d like to “at home among the wise” so I’m listening and trying to heed it.

So, in accordance with this attitude, I have reached out to members of the NomCom for advice about what I can do to improve my scores and make it through the next time (if there is one).  If you are a member of the NomCom and I did not contact you, feel free to contact me if you have anything you’d like to tell me.

When I consider who the other applicants were, I feel a bit like an Olympic athlete who trains hard and wants to win, but also realizes that it is an honor to be a part of the Olympics.  Two years ago, no one knew who I was and I had no desire to be a leader.  Now I’m disappointed because I didn’t make the cut to have a chance to be in a formal leadership position.  Fortunately as Seth Godin said in Tribes, (paraphrased by me) leadership isn’t about position, it’s about passion.  I didn’t get the position this year, but I still have the passion.  So I won’t be retreating, I’ll be advancing. 

10 comments:

  1. I wasn't part of the NomCom, but if there's anything I can do to help out just let me know what I can do. I was excited when you decided to run for election and I'm excited to see that you're not giving up.

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  2. I hope you get good feedback from the NomCom, it's nice to be able to see where areas for improvement can be found. I am as dissappointed that I can't vote for you as I am about Steve. One thing that's bothered me about last week's hubbub was it was all about Steve, and Jack was mentioned hardly at all. I know Steve is big in the community, but so are you, and I think you should have gotten more "honorable mention"

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  3. Jack - I appreciate:
    - your contributions to PASS and the community
    - your participation in the election process
    - your intent to continue your path
    - your post
    - your grounding on Biblical principals
    Thanks, Douglas McDowell

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  4. Jeremiah,

    Thanks. There's not much you could do as I'm basically looking for feedback on what I could do to make the cut next time. If you have any tips based on what the NomCom shared to board feel free to email them me.

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  5. David,

    Thanks for the positive comments. I can say that I definitely understand the focus being on Steve. He has a much longer and more visible history in the community than I do. That's not to that I have not contributed a lot, just not as much nor as long as Steve.

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  6. Douglas,

    Thanks. I appreciate the work you have done in the community as well through leading a chapter all the way through serving on the board. Good luck in the campaign.

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  7. Jack, I wasn't on the nomcom, but I think you're handling of this, your attitude about the results, and your willingness to write about it speak volumes towards the kind of board member you'll be when you do get elected.

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  8. Jack,
    Great post. Good leaders are normally born out of three things: necessity, opprotunity, and drive. Give yourself a pat on the back because it sounds like you have the most important one of the three taken care of....can't say that for everyone:)

    Cheers,
    AJ

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  9. Andy,

    Thanks for the kind words. Can't say that is wasn't a learning experience and if I'm calling for transparency I should provide it, right?

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  10. Arie,

    Thanks. Means a lot coming from you.

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So what do you think I am?