akc parent club governance

AKC Parent Club AKC Parent Club GovernanceGovernanceJ. Charles Garvin, M.D.J. Charles Garvin, M.D.

July 22, 2007July 22, 2007

AKC Parent Club AKC Parent Club GovernanceGovernance

1.1. The Role of a Parent ClubThe Role of a Parent Club

2.2. Characteristics of a Successful Characteristics of a Successful Parent ClubParent Club

3.3. Leadership RequirementsLeadership Requirements

4.4. Conflict ManagementConflict Management

5.5. Crisis ManagementCrisis Management

1. The Role of a Parent 1. The Role of a Parent ClubClub

What it isWhat it is

What it doesWhat it does

Why it is necessaryWhy it is necessary

AKC StatementsAKC Statements

National specialty clubs (also called National specialty clubs (also called parent clubs) represent the fanciers parent clubs) represent the fanciers of a single breed.of a single breed.


Every effective dog clubEvery effective dog club Is composed of members who love Is composed of members who love

purebred dogs and their sport and purebred dogs and their sport and can work together to serve the best can work together to serve the best interest of the dogs and the sportinterest of the dogs and the sport

Operates under an approved Operates under an approved constitution and bylaws spelling out constitution and bylaws spelling out the orderly and democratic conduct the orderly and democratic conduct of club business.of club business.

Member Club Requirements Member Club Requirements (1949)(1949)

The club will consist of a The club will consist of a representative group…who have representative group…who have come together because of their come together because of their common interest in dogs and dog common interest in dogs and dog events…events…

Adequate protection of the Adequate protection of the individual against disciplinary individual against disciplinary measuresmeasures


Assurance that club affairs cannot Assurance that club affairs cannot be arbitrarily managed for a few be arbitrarily managed for a few against the wishes of the membersagainst the wishes of the members

Not a group of people who have only Not a group of people who have only a casual interest and have been a casual interest and have been banded together by ambitious banded together by ambitious people and used as scenery.people and used as scenery.


National specialty clubs (also called National specialty clubs (also called parent clubs) parent clubs) representrepresent the fanciers the fanciers of a single breed.of a single breed.


Every effective dog clubEvery effective dog club Is composed of members who love Is composed of members who love

purebred dogs and their sport and purebred dogs and their sport and can can work togetherwork together to serve the best to serve the best interest of the dogs and the sportinterest of the dogs and the sport

Operates under an approved Operates under an approved constitution andconstitution and bylaws bylaws spelling out spelling out the the orderlyorderly and and democraticdemocratic conduct conduct of club business.of club business.


The club will consist of a The club will consist of a representativerepresentative group…who have group…who have come together because of their come together because of their common interestcommon interest in dogs and dog in dogs and dog events…events…

Adequate Adequate protectionprotection of the of the individual against disciplinary individual against disciplinary measuresmeasures


Assurance that club affairs Assurance that club affairs cannot cannot be arbitrarily managed for a fewbe arbitrarily managed for a few against the wishes of the membersagainst the wishes of the members

Not a group of people who have only Not a group of people who have only a casual interest and have been a casual interest and have been banded together by ambitious banded together by ambitious people and used as scenery.people and used as scenery.

2. Characteristics of a 2. Characteristics of a Successful Parent ClubSuccessful Parent Club

RepresentsRepresents Work TogetherWork Together BylawsBylaws OrderlyOrderly DemocraticDemocratic

Common Common InterestsInterests

RepresentativeRepresentative ProtectionProtection Not Arbitrarily Not Arbitrarily

Managed for a Managed for a FewFew

Represent the fanciers of Represent the fanciers of that breedthat breed

Provide a voice for the fanciersProvide a voice for the fanciers IdeasIdeas OpinionsOpinions PrioritiesPriorities

Provide input to AKCProvide input to AKC Essential foundation of AKC as a Club of Essential foundation of AKC as a Club of

ClubsClubs

Represent AKC to the fanciers of that breedRepresent AKC to the fanciers of that breed

Work TogetherWork Together

Members mutual agree to the Members mutual agree to the structure and implementation of the structure and implementation of the club governanceclub governance

Club’s power to govern derives from Club’s power to govern derives from the consent of the governed.the consent of the governed.

Governments are instituted Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their among Men, deriving their just powers from the just powers from the consent of the governedconsent of the governed..

U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1776U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1776

BylawsBylaws

A law or rule governing the internal A law or rule governing the internal affairs of an organization. affairs of an organization.

Inherent agreement of the members Inherent agreement of the members of the organization: the club will of the organization: the club will operate by the rules, rather than the operate by the rules, rather than the whims of any individual, regardless of whims of any individual, regardless of his or her titlehis or her title

Rule of Law versus Rule of Man Rule of Law versus Rule of Man

BylawsBylaws

The Magna Carta The Magna Carta (1215) (1215) established the established the principle that no principle that no one, not even one, not even the king, is the king, is above the law. above the law.

OrderlyOrderly

Roberts Rules – Parliamentary Roberts Rules – Parliamentary ProcedureProcedure

Concepts more important than detailsConcepts more important than details A set of rules for conduct at meetings A set of rules for conduct at meetings Allows every member to be heard Allows every member to be heard Makes decisions without confusion Makes decisions without confusion Resolves conflictsResolves conflicts Protects rights of membersProtects rights of members

Will of majorityWill of majority Rights of minorityRights of minority

DemocraticDemocratic

Operates as a representative Operates as a representative democracydemocracy Defined set of votersDefined set of voters Represent the broad fancy of that breedRepresent the broad fancy of that breed

DirectDirect Popular assemblyPopular assembly Membership wide ballotMembership wide ballot

IndirectIndirect Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

DemocraticDemocratic

American Kennel ClubAmerican Kennel Club Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

DelegatesDelegates Member clubsMember clubs

Parent ClubParent Club Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

MembersMembers Fancy Fancy

Common InterestsCommon Interests

Conflicts are inherent in our sportConflicts are inherent in our sport Bench vs. fieldBench vs. field Conformation vs. performanceConformation vs. performance Agility vs. ObedienceAgility vs. Obedience My breed vs. your breedMy breed vs. your breed My type vs. your typeMy type vs. your type My dog vs. your dogMy dog vs. your dog My opinions vs. your opinionsMy opinions vs. your opinions My faction vs. your factionMy faction vs. your faction

Common InterestsCommon Interests

Love of the dogLove of the dog Value of Pure-Bred DogValue of Pure-Bred Dog Special love for the particular breedSpecial love for the particular breed Willingness to invest – to work for Willingness to invest – to work for

the benefit of that breedthe benefit of that breed Time, talent, energy, resourcesTime, talent, energy, resources

Willingness to put the best interest Willingness to put the best interest of the breed, the sport, the club and of the breed, the sport, the club and AKC above any personal interests.AKC above any personal interests.

RepresentativeRepresentative

In order to properly represent the In order to properly represent the fanciers of the breed, the parent club fanciers of the breed, the parent club must be representative of the fanciers must be representative of the fanciers of that breed.of that breed.

Not excessively exclusiveNot excessively exclusive The more exclusive and restrictive, The more exclusive and restrictive,

the less democratic and less the less democratic and less representativerepresentative

RepresentativeRepresentative

If there is a question of how does the If there is a question of how does the fancy feel about an issue, can the fancy feel about an issue, can the club give a legitimate answer?club give a legitimate answer? I thinkI think I think they thinkI think they think The board votedThe board voted

IF the board is representative IF the board is representative The members voted The members voted

IF the membership is representativeIF the membership is representative

ProtectionProtection

Adequate protection of the individual Adequate protection of the individual against disciplinary measuresagainst disciplinary measures

Bill of RightsBill of Rights Due ProcessDue Process

Laws and proceedings must be Laws and proceedings must be FAIRFAIR Rules apply to all members equallyRules apply to all members equally According to Rule of Law (not of man)According to Rule of Law (not of man) Procedures previously agreed to Procedures previously agreed to

ProtectionProtection

Club Constitution and Bylaws should Club Constitution and Bylaws should provide that the accused is entitled provide that the accused is entitled to:to: Fair hearingFair hearing Impartial jurors/judgesImpartial jurors/judges Know the chargesKnow the charges Be present at the hearingBe present at the hearing Be allowed to speak in own defenseBe allowed to speak in own defense Present witnessesPresent witnesses

AKC willing and able to helpAKC willing and able to help

Not for a few…Not for a few…

Club affairs cannot be arbitrarily Club affairs cannot be arbitrarily managed for a few against the wishes managed for a few against the wishes of the membersof the members

No monarchs, dictators, emperors, No monarchs, dictators, emperors, kings, czars, or equivalentkings, czars, or equivalent

Appropriate checks and balances in Appropriate checks and balances in your clubs organization.your clubs organization.

Not for a few…Not for a few… James Surowiecki : James Surowiecki :

““Under the right Under the right circumstances, circumstances, groups are groups are remarkably remarkably intelligent, and intelligent, and are often smarter are often smarter than the smartest than the smartest people in them.” people in them.”

Not for a few…Not for a few…

The better the voting process, the The better the voting process, the more valid and reliable the result.more valid and reliable the result.

The more well informed independent The more well informed independent minds involved in the decision, the minds involved in the decision, the better quality the decisionbetter quality the decision

The Wisdom of CrowdsThe Wisdom of Crowds , James , James Surkowiecki, 2004Surkowiecki, 2004

3. Leadership 3. Leadership RequirementsRequirements

CredibilityCredibility IntegrityIntegrity DelegationDelegation HumilityHumility

CredibilityCredibility

TrustworthyTrustworthy Tell the truthTell the truth Say what you meanSay what you mean Do what you say you will doDo what you say you will do

ExpertiseExpertise Know the breedKnow the breed Know the clubKnow the club Know the territoryKnow the territory

History of SuccessHistory of Success


Who would you Who would you rather have lead rather have lead

your club?your club?


Baghdad Bob Walter Cronkite

IntegrityIntegrity

Firm adherence to a code of moral Firm adherence to a code of moral valuesvalues

Always try to do right, even in tough Always try to do right, even in tough circumstancescircumstances

Consistency, predictabilityConsistency, predictability

IntegrityIntegrity



IntegrityIntegrity

Enron Executives

Abe Lincoln

DelegationDelegation

Club Leader cannot do everything!Club Leader cannot do everything! Classic management dilemmaClassic management dilemma

How much to delegateHow much to delegate AuthorityAuthority AutonomyAutonomy AccountabilityAccountability

Willingness to let others decide and Willingness to let others decide and actact

Tolerance for imperfectionTolerance for imperfection


Organizational StructureOrganizational Structure Dalmatian Club of AmericaDalmatian Club of America

950 members950 members 1 President1 President 9 Board members9 Board members 35 Committees and study groups35 Committees and study groups 130 Committee members130 Committee members

Board LiaisonBoard Liaison


Board Liaison – each board member Board Liaison – each board member is assigned to 3 to 5 committeesis assigned to 3 to 5 committees Works with each committee chairWorks with each committee chair Reports to the PresidentReports to the President Encourages timely, relevant reportsEncourages timely, relevant reports At board meetings, presents the reports At board meetings, presents the reports

and advocates for their committeesand advocates for their committees Facilitates dialog between the Facilitates dialog between the

committees and the boardcommittees and the board


Jim Collins, 2001Jim Collins, 2001

Studies and Studies and explains the explains the traits of leaders traits of leaders who transform who transform good good organizations organizations into great ones into great ones


"We expected that good-to-great leaders "We expected that good-to-great leaders would begin by setting a new vision and would begin by setting a new vision and strategy" strategy"

"We found instead that they first got the "We found instead that they first got the right people on the bus, the wrong right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people people off the bus, and the right people in the right seat—and then they figured in the right seat—and then they figured out where to drive it." out where to drive it."

Jim Collins, “Good to Great” 2001Jim Collins, “Good to Great” 2001

HumilityHumility

Importance for successImportance for success Rare trait in our world of Rare trait in our world of

competitive dog sportscompetitive dog sports Requires a willingness and desire to Requires a willingness and desire to

improve – both you and your clubimprove – both you and your club Better with help of othersBetter with help of others Better next year Better next year

HumilityHumility

David Packard, Founder HPDavid Packard, Founder HP““You shouldn't gloat about anything You shouldn't gloat about anything

you've done; you ought to keep going you've done; you ought to keep going and find something better to do.” and find something better to do.”

Patrick Daniel, CEO EnbridgePatrick Daniel, CEO Enbridge““I have learned through the lives of I have learned through the lives of

great leaders, that greatness comes great leaders, that greatness comes from humility and being at times, self-from humility and being at times, self-effacing.” effacing.”

Good to GreatGood to Great, Jim , Jim Collins, 2001Collins, 2001

HumilityHumility



HumilityHumility

Trump Gandhi

4. Conflict Management4. Conflict Management

Conflicts are Inherent in Conflicts are Inherent in our Sportour Sport

Regardless of the type of Regardless of the type of club or governance system club or governance system

of the clubof the club

Conflict is Always Conflict is Always PresentPresent

Not necessarily a bad thingNot necessarily a bad thing Better to embrace conflict and Better to embrace conflict and

manage it, rather than avoid it.manage it, rather than avoid it. Shows that members are engagedShows that members are engaged Many other important issues can be Many other important issues can be

uncovereduncovered A well debated and discussed decision isA well debated and discussed decision is

A better decisionA better decision Better accepted by the membersBetter accepted by the members

Many Ways to Manage Many Ways to Manage ConflictsConflicts

My example – Dalmatian Club of AmericaMy example – Dalmatian Club of America

We have had experience in many areas of We have had experience in many areas of conflict:conflict: Disney EffectDisney Effect Backcross ProjectBackcross Project Euthanasia PolicyEuthanasia Policy Blue EyesBlue Eyes Sweepstakes EliminationSweepstakes Elimination Indoor vs. Outdoor SpecialtyIndoor vs. Outdoor Specialty

Goal: Resolution that Goal: Resolution that combines the best elements combines the best elements

from both sidesfrom both sides Prepare for conflictPrepare for conflict Identify issuesIdentify issues Elicit solutionsElicit solutions Examine potential solutionsExamine potential solutions Organized discussionsOrganized discussions Acceptable decision making processAcceptable decision making process Communicate the resultCommunicate the result Embrace criticismEmbrace criticism

Prepare for ConflictPrepare for Conflict

Logical Organizational StructureLogical Organizational Structure Establish CredibilityEstablish Credibility Create Culture and AtmosphereCreate Culture and Atmosphere

Discussion is encouragedDiscussion is encouraged Disagree without being disagreeableDisagree without being disagreeable Decisions are well defined and Decisions are well defined and

communicatedcommunicated Properly processed decisions are Properly processed decisions are

acceptedaccepted

Identify IssuesIdentify Issues

Stated Issues versus Underlying IssuesStated Issues versus Underlying Issues Frequently sub-plot beneath the surfaceFrequently sub-plot beneath the surface

Understand the Priorities of the PartiesUnderstand the Priorities of the Parties Are the presenters truly representative Are the presenters truly representative

of those who have the concerns?of those who have the concerns? Get all the issues out on the table Get all the issues out on the table

before trying to solve any one issuebefore trying to solve any one issue

Elicit SolutionsElicit Solutions

Complaining without a suggested Complaining without a suggested solution is a definition of WHINNINGsolution is a definition of WHINNING

Ask “What is your proposed solution?”Ask “What is your proposed solution?” Classic Brainstorming:Classic Brainstorming:

Ideas are elicited without evaluation of Ideas are elicited without evaluation of their merittheir merit Be looking to extract best elements of Be looking to extract best elements of

each proposaleach proposal Get all the ideas out before evaluatingGet all the ideas out before evaluating

Examine Potential Examine Potential SolutionsSolutions

What is the best aspect of this What is the best aspect of this proposal?proposal?

What is the worst thing that could What is the worst thing that could happen if this were adopted?happen if this were adopted?

In what way is this considered Fair?In what way is this considered Fair? How could this proposal be How could this proposal be

improved?improved? Etc.Etc.

Organized DiscussionsOrganized Discussions Civil discussion benefits from planned Civil discussion benefits from planned

approachapproach Forum – board meeting, membership meeting, Forum – board meeting, membership meeting,

discussion session, Internet discussion session, Internet Format – official meeting, briefing, Q & AFormat – official meeting, briefing, Q & A Timing – critical judgment callTiming – critical judgment call

Frequently good to let discussion play outFrequently good to let discussion play out Be sure to also involve members who are Be sure to also involve members who are

neutralneutral Recognize and disclose your own biases Recognize and disclose your own biases

and prejudicesand prejudices

Organized DiscussionOrganized Discussion Genesis of conflict is often Genesis of conflict is often

misunderstandingmisunderstandingLiterally, one side does not understand:Literally, one side does not understand:

What the other side is sayingWhat the other side is saying What they meanWhat they mean What their priorities areWhat their priorities are

Your job is to make sure that what is Your job is to make sure that what is said is understoodsaid is understood

Give everyone a chance to participateGive everyone a chance to participate

Acceptable Decision Acceptable Decision Making ProcessMaking Process

The plan for deliberations is The plan for deliberations is understood and agreeableunderstood and agreeable

It is clear who is making the decisionIt is clear who is making the decision Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors MembershipMembership Others – committee chair, show chair, Others – committee chair, show chair,

PresidentPresident The timetable for making the The timetable for making the

decision is cleardecision is clear


The actual decision depends on the specific The actual decision depends on the specific facts, circumstances and who makes the facts, circumstances and who makes the decisiondecision

The The qualityquality of the decision is frequently of the decision is frequently determined by the determined by the processprocess

Ask for help when needed – other clubs, AKCAsk for help when needed – other clubs, AKC Compromise solutions are often best, but Compromise solutions are often best, but

not always possiblenot always possible ““This time we’ll do it his way, next time your This time we’ll do it his way, next time your

way”way”


When no solution seems possible:When no solution seems possible:

Go Back to Common InterestsGo Back to Common Interests Start with what basic things the parties CAN Start with what basic things the parties CAN

agree onagree on Big picture or Higher PlaneBig picture or Higher Plane

One principle that almost everyone agrees One principle that almost everyone agrees on, and can be used as the final arbiter:on, and can be used as the final arbiter:

Majority RulesMajority Rules

Communicate the ResultCommunicate the Result Let all the members know, as soon as Let all the members know, as soon as

practical:practical: What was decidedWhat was decided Why that choice was madeWhy that choice was made That other alternatives were given fair That other alternatives were given fair

considerationconsideration Document what happened – minutes, Document what happened – minutes,

newsletternewsletter Template for future decisionsTemplate for future decisions Likely need to look it up in the futureLikely need to look it up in the future

Opportunity to thank those who participatedOpportunity to thank those who participated Strengthens the club for future battlesStrengthens the club for future battles

Embrace CriticismEmbrace Criticism

Regardless of the Resolution, there will Regardless of the Resolution, there will always be criticsalways be critics

Criticism is valuable to you and the clubCriticism is valuable to you and the club Shows the person is engaged in the processShows the person is engaged in the process The critic may be right – or some componentThe critic may be right – or some component Can learn from the style of the criticCan learn from the style of the critic Toughen your skinToughen your skin Occasionally the critic makes a fool of himselfOccasionally the critic makes a fool of himself

5. Crisis Management5. Crisis Management

Be prepared for the next crisisBe prepared for the next crisis Define the issuesDefine the issues Separate facts from emotionsSeparate facts from emotions Consider many alternativesConsider many alternatives Involve othersInvolve others Decision making algorithmDecision making algorithm Remember the big pictureRemember the big picture Report and documentReport and document

Be Prepared for the Next Be Prepared for the Next CrisisCrisis

Pre-established lines of delegationPre-established lines of delegation A committee for every crisisA committee for every crisis

Know your players “on the bus”Know your players “on the bus” Their abilities, willingness, availabilityTheir abilities, willingness, availability

Your job is to know the answer to Your job is to know the answer to the key question:the key question:

Who ya gonna call?Who ya gonna call?

Define the IssuesDefine the Issues

Situational analysisSituational analysis Time Frame – how much time do you Time Frame – how much time do you

really have?really have? Who will make the decision?Who will make the decision? Who will take the required action?Who will take the required action?

Separate Facts From Separate Facts From EmotionEmotion

A crisis can be an exciting adrenaline A crisis can be an exciting adrenaline rushrush

Beware the panic of Chicken LittleBeware the panic of Chicken Little

If we don’t do anything right now, what If we don’t do anything right now, what is the worst that can happen?is the worst that can happen?

Your job is to be cool, calm, efficient, Your job is to be cool, calm, efficient, decisivedecisive

Consider Many Consider Many AlternativesAlternatives

Beware the tendency of the “knee jerk” Beware the tendency of the “knee jerk” reactionreaction A spinal reflex that involves A spinal reflex that involves nono participation of participation of

the the brainbrain

Always time for an open mindAlways time for an open mind

May be an opportunity to try a new May be an opportunity to try a new approachapproach Built in excuse in case it doesn’t workBuilt in excuse in case it doesn’t work

Involve OthersInvolve Others

Look for new ideas and old experiencesLook for new ideas and old experiences Ask for help – advisors, other clubs, Ask for help – advisors, other clubs,

AKC, Internet – PCC listAKC, Internet – PCC list

Remember those who feel they should be Remember those who feel they should be asked, even if you think their input is not asked, even if you think their input is not valuablevaluable

When you explain situation to others, When you explain situation to others, you can get a better understandingyou can get a better understanding

Decision Making Decision Making AlgorithmAlgorithm

Similar to normal procedure, but Similar to normal procedure, but faster and more efficientfaster and more efficient Usually fewer people involvedUsually fewer people involved

Decisions AND ActionsDecisions AND Actions Fix the problem firstFix the problem first Then go back and clean up the detailsThen go back and clean up the details

Remember the Big Remember the Big PicturePicture

Report and DocumentReport and Document

Use the crisis as an educational Use the crisis as an educational opportunityopportunity

Have a full report compiledHave a full report compiled Report to the club membershipReport to the club membership

There There willwill be another crisis be another crisis Your job is to have your club be Your job is to have your club be

better prepared for the next crisisbetter prepared for the next crisis

Summary and ReviewSummary and Review

The Role of a Parent ClubThe Role of a Parent Club Characteristics of a Successful Parent Characteristics of a Successful Parent

ClubClub Leadership RequirementsLeadership Requirements Conflict ManagementConflict Management Crisis ManagementCrisis Management

Good Luck and Thank Good Luck and Thank youyou

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