A hardy welcome to the privilege of leadership to all of the new Rotary Club residents and district governors. Have fun, if you don’t have fun you are missing one of the great opportunities of Rotary membership. While you are having fun, remember the admonition of Past Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman, “You and your year will always be remembered, one way or another.”
It is up to you to create the kind of customer experience that will leave a fond memory of your year. Don’t disappoint those who chose you to lead them. They are expecting to arrive at the weekly Rotary meeting to participate in a lot of fellowship. They are hoping to be entertained and educated by the weekly speakers. They expect to spend time in service projects that leave them with good feelings that their time was well spent and not wasted. They also expect to give some of their money to all of this service and fellowship with the knowledge that you, as their leader, are providing good stewardship over the use of their time and money. Do those things and they will not be disappointed; they will always remember your year with fond regards.
Above all else, remember it is your year and not your club. Don’t confuse leadership with ownership. You are the leader, but the board of directors is the governing authority. Set directions, high goals and great expectations only after you get the support of all of the members who will have to attain fulfill those expectations.