Beliefs are a great ways of identifying what we are about. When we are clear about our beliefs we can then define actions which live (and further reinforce by definition) those beliefs.
If we get this right we also create a list of beliefs which makes us distinct from any other organisation - as series of reasons to join up.
So here's my first tentative stab.
1. To develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their various occupations.
1. We believe that by bringing together young men from various backgrounds we create the opportunity for new friendships. These new friendships matter to those who join and to those we serve because we achieve more when we act together.
(nb: I'm finding 1 & 2 a bit repetitive. With that in mind, I offer this simplification of
1: We believe we can do more good as a group of friends than we can as individuals.
2. To emphasise the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community.
2. We believe the skills we learn in our jobs can and should be shared to benefit the community.
3. To cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions.
3. We believe in honesty, integrity and open-ness and demonstrate this through our professional and civic lives
4. To recognise the worthiness of all legitimate occupations and to dignify each his own by precept and example.
4. We believe all come to Roundtable as equals. All legitimate occupations are equally welcome for the worthwhile contributions they make to Table and the community
5. To further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships.
5. We believe we should actively foster peace and goodwill in international relationships.
6. To further these objects by meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities.
6. We demonstrate these beliefs through our activities.
It feels to me we are some way off - but the first thing I see emerging from this is the focus on friendship - the value of creating relationships. Please use the comments to add your thoughts.
- Here's a thought; there's no clear WHY in these objects -
eg We believe coming together to pool our skills is the best way we can make our community a better place to live (for example). Should there be?
If you'd like to have a go at a complete new version of your own, please email to davidpcushman@gmail.com and I'll publish as a post (needs to have your name attached!)
On reflection, I think too much of Object 1 is repeated in object 2.
ReplyDeletePerhaps object 1 can be simplified with that borne in mind:
We believe we can do more good as a group of friends than we can as individuals.