This episode’s features is in an interview with ARRL David Minster NA2AA, and the President, Rick Roderick K5UR as they discuss changes for the ARRL with Frank Howell K4FMH.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I found in the interview was NA2AA’s statement about changing the culture at the ARRL. He mentioned “dialing up the energy” at the ARRL and becoming a culture of “yes” instead of being so negative all the time. Of course, the previous CEO talked a good game at first and raised expectations, but then failed to deliver. Overall, though, I’m optimistic.
Goody K3NG says
I get the sense the previous CEO wasn’t given a chance to deliver due to the culture of “no”. ARRL throwing him under the bus was the last straw for me. ARRL “rejecting” additional VECs has me wondering why they need to weigh in on this. Their arguments against it were obtuse and it seems like the old “status quo” ARRL. I’ve heard good things from ARRL in the past as well. This life member is waiting to see results this time.
Dan KB6NU says
What happened with WB2ITX is that he never gave up his day job. He was still working for the Chinese robotics company and didn’t spend enough time working for the ARRL. You really can’t lead if you’re not there, mentally or physically.
Dr, Frank M. Howell says
Dan (and Goody),
We all must await actions. But David and Rick have now gone on record with this Culture of Yes. As David said in the interview, every response won’t be yes but he’s making that the default setting as a decision-making process. His email inbox is there for when staff say “no”.
I’d add that another important statement by the CEO was his determination that the recent Centennial effort by League staff had produced this “lethargic” culture toward membership engagement. There have been recent retirements and more in the process of coming to light, I’m told. Stay tuned!
Frank
K4FMH
Dan KB6NU says
I’m not so sure that it was the centennial, but rather just ARRL culture in general. As you and I have discussed in the past, the ARRL has never really been open to member suggestions. Instead, they always tried to lead from the top down. You can be that I will stay tuned.