The evolution of thinking: Shifting Paradigms

In the business world, time and again changes require an evolution in the way products are made or services are provided, altering at times the culture of corporations.

It’s not different with Rotary, although it happens with certain particularrities which are not always understood. Changes in Rotary require breaking free from paradigms. It requires time, as in Rotary we do not improvise. Such changes come about because of human needs or they are propelled by the use of available technology which can be employed to expand our ability to serve.

In the past, we tended to believe that changes came in ready-to-use templates, but nowadays we know very well that one single template for change is a passport to failure. Because Rotary is all over the world, it is exposed to many cultures and idiosyncrasies that require flexibility on the application of methodologies to achieve our Objective. For example, if we are to attract young leaders to our ranks, we have to communicate accordingly, prepare them based on their expectations and act in a modern way. A young adult will only be attracted to a vibrant Rotary, one that offers solutions and the feeling of a job well done; a Rotary which validates the individual efforts put in the work at hand for the improvement of the communities.

Let’s analyze some points.

New order of priorities

The new order of priorities is clearly shown on the RI Strategic Plan and The Rotary Foundation Future Vision Plan. It’s being implemented with the clubs in mind, since they are the main focus, and that is where everything happens. By not having a standard to follow, each club will find the course of action that best suits it.

Another new priority is youth. With the new Avenue of Services dedicated to Youth, the focus on youth is no longer a Structured Program but a philosophy of action for the whole organization. It’s necessary to interconnect this new Avenue with the other Four, so we can have concentrated actions to bring about the changes and to surpass what is expected in the new order of priorities.

Redirect values

New needs are consequence of this new order, which can be a partial return to what we should be doing, to focus our attention and redirect the application of the values we cherish and believe, not only for internal practices but also to disseminate such values in the community and among business and professional people with whom we have contact.

The professional, business and governmental communities, plus our internal and external public expect us to redirect our efforts to better communicate and exemplify the values and practices we want to perpetuate: Integrity, Ethics, Fellowship, Diversity and Transparency.

New points of interest

We have to fulfill our promise to mankind made more than 20 years ago: Eradicate Polio from the face of the Earth.

Although polio eradication is a top priority, we can’t allow it to blind us or take our attention away from other points of interest. Rotarian Action Groups reinforce our belief on the importance to have other subjects in Rotary which are interesting enough to attract passionate Rotarians.

New models for Rotary Clubs, such as the e-clubs, clearly show that not only they offer new opportunities to serve but also that technology can be used to awaken the interest in Rotary, and the service it does, amongst populations not yet familiar with the organization.

Different ways to react

When there is a need, or when we don’t achieve a goal, or else when we face a complex problem, we realize that a shift in paradigm is the right course to embrace - a different way to react.

District governors usually are concerned with training the leaders in their team, for instance the one that their club presidents will receive. From that point on, the window is open for change, development and different ways to react. Events such as Pre-PETS and early leadership training like Rotary Leadership Institute are organized and introduced worldwide as a reaction to the flaw or the excessive manner to train future Rotary leaders. If nothing changes, we will have to train more than 350,000 leaders in the next 10 years to take over the many leadership positions in Rotary.

Rotary intends to contribute to a better world by transforming human beings. The best way to foresee the future is by making the future. If evolution changes the world, let’s all make history and evolve together.