HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY IT IS LIKE IT IS?

Quote from Ann Landers
"People with great minds talk about ideas,
People with average minds talk about events,
People with small minds talk about other people."

Have you ever started something and then wondered why you got involved in the first place? Have you ever been appointed to a do-nothing committee and wondered how you could exit gracefully? And how about those times you got stuck as chairperson of a committee that couldn't even agree on when to meet and how to come to grips with the major work of the group.

How about showing a dog that is fast becoming the reserve champion of the universe -- how do you gracefully get out of finishing him when you know he will be nothing but a "cheese" champion anyway? Or how about promising you would do something in a moment of "extreme good will and high spirits" (that means you had probably sluiced down too much) and then realize you've gotten yourself into a quagmire.

We all seem to have that great ability to take a shovel and dig deep holes for ourselves. Did you ever wonder why?

It seems that all mankind has the ability to believe we can accomplish more than we have the time, energy or motivation to actually do. It's our way of sustaining the belief that we are "omnipotent." That we can do all things. Most of these "delusions" come while we are still young. I don't necessarily mean young in years but often it is young in experience. We mature in different ways and at different times, much like our dogs develop. These experiences, whether we do well or poorly become part of our life experience. You know experience is a great advantage. The problem with experience, however, is that when you finally get it, you're too dammed old to do anything about it.

A pattern that I seem to have established in my life is that I goad myself into achieving goals that I have set for myself by announcing them publicly. Then I have to work like hell to achieve them or look like I am a braggart or a dam fool that can't make good on his stated intentions. However, once you have shown a pattern of making good on your stated intentions, people begin to trust you and give you more responsibility. I am sure you have noticed this in Dog Clubs. Dog Clubs that are active and growing are always looking for people who want and need to take on responsibility as a means of testing themselves and acquiring a reputation.

Without these people Dog Clubs can wither and die on the vine. However, have you also noticed that when these "young" people step forward they are often greeted with derision by the "anointed" old timers who believe in keeping the upstarts in their place. Which, simply put, means "don't challenge my authority and importance." Getting Dog Clubs to work is based on getting these diverse groups together to work for the common good. That takes leadership and, from what I have seen, it's in short supply. Perhaps one of the tasks the AKC should take on instead of some of the ones they have is that of offering Leadership Institutes. No, AKC itself would not have to put on the program, if that's what you are thinking. These are many expert firms in the field who hold Leadership Training seminars. AKC could work with them to develop an appropriate curriculum and hold yearly seminars around the country for newly elected Presidents of Dog Clubs. Remember you saw it here first.

While I am rambling on, how about those of you, who are members of All Breed Clubs pressuring your leadership to really hold a sanction match. Some of them have been jokes. They are held merely to satisfy the AKC requirement and are no more help to the novice or the general public than the man in the moon. No publicity, poor times and no enthusiasm on the part of those charged with putting on the match. You know, holding an annual match is a great way for new members to learn how things work. They can be given the opportunity to serve on or lead committees. Mistakes can't hurt too badly and the experience can be great for those aspiring to become chairpersons of important Club committees.

On the other hand, older, more established clubs are not the place to make your mark. They like status quo and struggle like mad to keep it that way. Even if their modus-operandi doesn't work too well, it's comfortable. It's a well worn rut and easy to follow. This is not the place for the young Turks to try out their wings. They will get them clipped quickly.

Having been President of more Dog Clubs than I care to remember, I know what a burden it is for Presidents to have to do everything themselves. We have all heard that a good leader knows how to delegate. Ha! To whom do you delegate when no one wants to volunteer. Let "Jim do it" is the cry of the day. More often than not, Jim is the guy who "ain't there."