Leadership is... Part 2

The opportunity to run for 1st VP of the PGI gives me a chance to evaluate how

I choose to lead. For the past 12 years, I have served on the Town Council of

Mulberry, IN. For the past 10 years I have held the office of president. I have decided not to hold the office of president after my term ends this December. Each year the council nominates and elects from the 5 member board a president and vice president and if nominated in 2012 I will decline. My reason stems from learning how other leaders served very effectively, while in leadership, and continued to have a very positive impact as they stepped aside. One book that I found very informative and helpful "Good to Great" by John Collins points out that solid effective leadership continues after that leader no longer holds the lead position. The author Jim Collins reveals the findings of in depth study by his research group of twenty one people who examined over six months all the key details of companies that went from good to great. One of the key elements to these companies impressive growth was their leadership. This type of leader prepares and helps those who will follow after to be ready to take the reins as he or she steps down.

My ten years as town council president are going to end this year by my choice. I believe leadership needs to set goals work to achieve those goals and then step aside. These companies that made the leap from ‘good to great’ had leaders with several distinct characteristics. One of these was “Ambition for the Company: Setting up Successors for Success. While it may seem strange to talk about leaving a position before even being elected, I think this is a fundamental part of good leadership. You build on the hard work of your predecessors, advance the cause while in leadership, and document clearly what you have been doing and communicate this information to those who will be your successors. Then you step away passing the baton to your successor and prepare to enjoy some potential free time.

Leadership - taking a position on an issue

Here is a question I was asked recently and my response.  I asked for his
permission to quote his question and comments to help give the context.


Paul,
This is Dan Creagan the MFR asking - not the 2nd VP.

What are your feelings on increasing the number of competition items in the Aerial Levels for the convention?

Fair dues: Paul knows this discussion is current with the board because the competition committee has given the board their recommendations and Paul has been copied on most of the traffic. It is a loaded question in some ways so I apologize for that part. However, candidates are not allowed to participate in the discussions of the board (only watch) so I figure this would be a good place to put Paul on the spot. ;-} BTW: Not only is this question loaded, it is not an easy one.

Dan is correct about my observing this age old discussion take place.  Dark sky versus enough time for competition and how to reach a good balance on this subject.  Ten years experience on the B-line demonstrates that often when there is available dark sky after competition it is not utilized.

My view with the current data available is to be in favor of the recommended increase of the number of competition items in certain Aerial Levels. 

Based on the dark sky available and the projected time more entries would take, it seems feasible to do the increase and not dramatically alter the amount of dark sky left for open shooting.  Plus the B-line crew is working this year to take another step toward even more efficiency so more shells can be launched even if there is less time.  One continual focus on both sides of this discussion needs to be on always seeking do competition and open shooting more efficiently.  These past ten years great progress has been made in this area but we need to keep evaluating this each convention.  There are variables at play here that will mean more discussion will be needed as the Guild progresses.  Manufacturing on site gives greater potential for more shells to be launched in open shooting.  More people getting into competition due to the shell building classes and a spin off from manufacturing could mean more time needed for competition.   

So should I be elected I expect to be involved in this discussion each year

trying to effectively respond to the requests by each group of the guild

memberships asking for more “More Dark Sky”.

Leadership is .... part 1

Why does a person seek to be in leadership and in this case on the Board of the PGI?

 Here are my reasons:
 I enjoy being on a team that is headed in a positive direction, and I enjoy working toward being more efficient and proficient versus always struggling to make the deadline.  The Guild has been moving in this direction and I want to lend a hand to help in this progress.

 Because of the many hard working volunteers these past 35 some years, I now get to enjoy attending the annual conventions.  I want to do my part to contribute to this effort so over the coming years many more people can enjoy annual conventions and be part of our great organization.
Leadership is work and has negative aspects but it is also very enjoyable when
you see the whole group being able to join in and participate in programs taking us in the right direction.  With the two new convention sites coming in the next couple of years this, looks to be a fun and challenging time to serve on the board.

Next time I will write about what I have learned in serving for over a decade on
our local Town council.

Couple steps down the trail

Today is day three of my campaign and the response up to this point has been very encouraging.
On Passfire.dot under the two threads dealing with the upcoming elections 
“Paul Smith's campaign for 1st VP, 2011,” and “PGI Elections-2011” almost 1200 times people have taken the time to have a look.  Some real good questions have been asked and several PGI members have already pledged their vote.  Over the next several months through this blog, Passfire.com,
pgi-bounces@pyropage.com, and meeting folks at upcoming club meetings I want to get out the message that I am requesting your vote and need your vote on election day at West Fargo, ND Rhapsody on Red.
On the topic of meeting PGI members, I plan to be at Wayne’s World demo day this Saturday March 26 in Brazil, IN.  Any members of the Bluegrass Pyrotechnics Guild and the Heartland Pyrotechnics Association that are attending  please look for me and allow me  a chance to meet you.

Paul

The trail begins with this letter

Paul E. Smith Candidate for 1^st Vice President of the PGI

During the past 5 years as we have held elections for board positions I have become more and more convinced that for the PGI to continue to be an effective organization, and to once again become a growing organization we need to encourage the members to step into leadership positions.  Good progress was made and this past election three new board members replaced long standing and very productive board members.  I believe there needs to be an orderly transition at each election with some new board members replacing those who have served us well. This will allow good transfer of information and experiences learned from veteran board members to first timers, while regularly invigorating the Board with infusions of new ideas and new energy, and continuously growing a cadre of leaders to take us into the future.   In this year’s election for 1^st VP, I want to offer the Guild another opportunity to elect a candidate with youthful enthusiasm and life experience that can build on the foundation already established.  I have always had great respect for this organization, and I would consider it an honor to be elected to an office on the PGI board. 

For years I have watched while dedicated members of the PGI board have worked hard and long, giving of themselves and their skills.  I have decided that now is the right time for me to step up and do my part. 

PGI Involvement:

I have been an active member of the PGI for nineteen (19) years.

During the past ten (10) years, I have held a position on the safety team, running the B-Line, as B-Line Boss.

Contributing author for PGI Display Operators manual

Certified PGI Display Operator and Certified Operator Trainer

Helped for many years on the Display Operators course at PGI conventions

Presented seminars on Pyrotechnic Chemistry at the conventions for over ten (10) years

Professional and Personal Information:

Work- Purdue University past twenty one (21) years as a Chemist in the Chemistry Department

Presented workshops to college and high school teachers on using pyrotechnics to teach chemistry in various locations of the United States and Canada

Lead Operator for Ramsey Pyrotechnics for past sixteen (16) years

Hold a Type 20- Manufacturing License

I am 56 years old and married thirty three (33) years to my best friend Lana Smith

Two grown children and two grandchildren

Home Town, Mulberry, Indiana

Mulberry, Indiana Town council president ten (10) years

Deacon at local church for twenty five (25) years

My goal is to energetically work with the current board, and be there to listen to you, its members, with any concerns you may have.  I have the desire to carry out actively the 1^st VP duties, and the time and the vigor to serve YOU, the members of the PGI.

I take great pride in being a member of this organization, and would count it an immense privilege to serve as your next 1^st Vice President!

Very Sincerely,

Paul E. Smith