Thoughts on Recent Unpleasantness at the Yacht Club - and a
Suggestion

Whenever there is conflict in an organization like ours, it is
wise to step back and consider the principles that apply,
totally apart from the personalities. Also, when there is
conflict, it is usually because two or more principles, with
which most people would agree in the abstract, are also
in conflict. What are those principles? I will try:

Principle #1: When an organization faces tough times
(budget problems because of uncontrollable increases
in fixed costs, like energy or insurance, etc etc), it is
generally prudent to put the best manager in charge
(President, or whatever, depending on the organization
and its mission). That goes for large corporations, non-
profits, and small clubs like our own. We are in our Club
because we like most of the people we see, and we love
our boats. We also want to keep costs down.

Principle #2: There is more than management skill that is
vested in the leadership position. There is great symbolic
significance. Wouldn't everyone (except for maybe a
few) like to see their portraits hanging there along with
the succession of many great men (and also a woman
nowadays). Also, there is a herd instinct in organizations.
If a leader gets wounded, or even thinks that he or she has
been injured, people will circle around to shield that person
from further harm. This is all normal behavior.

I believe that these are the general principles that have
made the present issue so divisive. Our Club has gone on
for almost 150 years, and I am sure that it will
continue to do so (and, no doubt, there have been similar
issues in the past). The best way (IMHO), to emerge from
the present situation with minimal long-term damage to our
organization, is to try to decide which of the above
principles has the top priority. I remain undecided about
how to vote. I respect all parties.

But, I do recommend that after the first ballot, there should be a
second ballot, at which time the decision will be affirmed
unanimously.

Then, we can all get on with the most important matters,
which are, I think: Retaining the vitality and volunteer
spirit of our Club, and second, to make the most of our
short times on Earth.

Sincerely to all,

Martin David Tilson, 3rd, MD
Member #146

Postscript:

I have studied the Bylaws, and I have come to the conclusion
that the organizational problem could be fixed, without any
need for changes in the Constitution or Bylaws. A simple
change in customs would do the trick. Recognizing that effective
management requires more than a single year in a position of
authority, we could establish the custom that the Secretary
should be nominated with the qualification that he/she is not
only a valued member of the Club but also possesses very fine
organizational skills. That person could be proposed for
several annual re-elections, until he/she got exhausted with
all of the hassles. Then, under ordinary circumstances, that
person would be nominated for the Office of Vice-Commodore. The
following year, that person would be nominated for Commodore.

The Offices of the Commodores would be considered as *highly*
honorary, in recognition for distinguished service, as a volunteer
for the work that must be done in the Yard, as a racing yachtsman
who has earned trophies for the Club, as any person who has added
luster to the reputation or the social ambience of the Club,
or whatever.

In this manner, the management of the Club could sustain continuity
over time, while the Office of the Commodore would sustain its
highly honorary symbolic value.

E-posted to the Secretary, Nov 16, 2005