The magical day when Rotary throws out of office all of those who provided leadership in their clubs and districts over the past year is quickly approaching. In a time when our political leaders cling to office for decades we make a clean sweep every year on the first day of July. Many organizations try to stagger the succession of their officers to avoid just the kind of institutional shock that is a structured part of Rotary.
So what do we do with all of those who add past to their previous title? It is unfortunate that all too many of those with experience drift off into the land of forgotten veterans, some even taking a break and ultimately disappearing from Rotary membership. Some of our soon to be past presidents will follow the unfortunate tradition of their Rotary club and join the ‘been their – done that – and have the T-shirt’ committee who believe their role is to quietly sit through all future weekly meetings without calling attention to their presence. And then there are those who find it hard to give up the gavel and acknowledge the successes of those who follow.
For those of you who face the impending transition from leader to faithful follower I would like to share the vision of a flock of geese flying in their usual V formation. Notice, if you will, every once in a while the leader falls back in the formation to give another, with rested wings, the opportunity to provide direction to the flock. So as you drop back into the formation remember those geese and make sure your honking is provided for encouragement to go farther and faster. After all is said and done, your new challenge is to make sure your successor is successful. Not to diminish your accomplishments, but to build on your success.