Last week I had an honor to attend one of the most exciting even which is happening in 110 countries around the world.
I had an opportunity to attend LC Karachi EB elections (sorry for very technical language)... My few impressions which I got through out the day:
# LC members are forced to stay in election. To do that the current EB had to make VP elections at first and move LCP candidates to the last point of agenda - otherwise people would start leaving elections right after LCP selection. And this would cause problems because plenary would not have enough true members to give their votes for VP candidates. Well done!
I came just for few hours, but ended up staying for whole day... just because I wanted ask LCP candidates few questions personally.
# It was really interesting to observe and compare the performance of new members and older members who are applying for certain VP position. I was surprised that some newies were much stronger in presentation, stating their opinion and demonstrating knowledge compare to old members (who supposed to be 'advanced' in all levels). I have may favorites, but because results are not announced who is selected and who is not - I won't mention their names.
# Each candidate for VP position was very focused on particular area. Basically all speeches and presentations were about: I, me and myself... that is the feeling I got listening them.
Meanwhile I kept comparing elections which I used to see back in old days when I was working in LC Siauliai. We used to underline following words: LC, team, goals, vision, dream...
I have no doubt about each candidate’s professionalism but somehow I missed a spirit of AIESEC. AIESEC in general: Why the hell exists and what we working for and for whom. By listening them I had feeling that "we do exchange or marketing because that is the structure of organization and someone needs to do that. I take this role to manage certain functional area, because I want practical experience - for myself". Well... I want to believe I'm wrong, but I couldn't read anything else between the lines of their speeches.
# The individualism and lack of knowledge of AIESEC was shocking! I couldn't believe. I asked LCP candidates questions which in my opinion they should know for sure: 1) please describe Change Agent concept and how do you fit in that role; 2) What is the AIESEC essential uniqueness compare to other NGO (especially those which run exchange program or working on leadership skills). To tell you truth - I didn't get answers which I expected... their answers were far from my understanding... It's good that I didn't ask them to name 5 principles of AIESEC XP or traditional question (at least in my LC) - "what are AIESEC values" : )
After all a new leader is selected - Congratulations! Wish you strength in fighting with challenges, patience with a time and ambitious results.
Cheers!
