Ken Winch, FCSI
FROM
THE PRESIDENT |
FINE LINES
Reading my title, you might be forgiven for thinking that my subject concerns the fine lines created by authors or those spoken by an actor in pursuit of art. Alternatively you might think it refers to the breaking strain of fishing lines or their line about the fish that got away ....
Plausible thoughts all but the fine lines about which I want to reflect are those which influence our personal lives as well as those connected with the leadership, management and contributions we make to this or any other society.
In our personal lives, we learn at a very early age the minute differences between certain lines. For example, there is a fine line between right and wrong or good and bad. As we grow older, we are amazed at the fine line between happiness and sadness; laughter and tears. How quickly one can become the other. I remember my mother saying laughter turns to tears; but the wonder was her ability to distract so that the laughter returned.
In our early working lives, we quickly discover the fine line between rich and poor, success and failure. We may exaggerate these until we learn how to measure each and strike a balance.
Later still, we become aware of the subtle line between having friends and having acquaintances. More critically, we find the line between friends and the good friends on whom we can rely and whom we support in turn, in good times and bad. And as I write this on St. Valentine ’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the inevitable line between love and hate, aring and indifference.
Much depends on personal attitude as well as on the influences which the years have placed our way. Who can honestly claim that at one time or another they haven’t been accused of not knowing the difference between fact and fiction – a subtle way perhaps of suggesting one has been economical with the truth.
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Our professional working experiences are also subject to fine lines–misunderstandings and interpretations that affect us, our efficiency, even on occasion, our overall attitude. The difference between anger and frustration for example, or between arrogance and confidence, are not always clear cut and can create tensions.
I have heard it said that people who volunteer on committees or the boards of societies, associations, clubs and such are generally a particular type of individual who has suffered from neglect or lack of understanding, not been given opportunities to succeed and so forth, during their formative years.Rubbish!I can honestly state that this doesn’t apply to me or indeed to any of the board members whom I have met or with whom I have served during my nearly 16 years with FCSI. They have all been keenly involved, interested, committed, even passionate. They want to put something back into the profession that has served them well.
It’s curious that none of the presidents I have known have set out to occupy this office. Rather, like myself, they have been in office at the particular moment in time and been pressed to take the role. It is a privilege. And yet here is a further fine line – that between power and responsibility.
I am proud to be among those whose clear choice has been responsibility. Finally, there is another choice: you can choose to ignore or read my words. I hope if you have chosen to read them that I have given you cause for thought. And so I draw a fine line under this letter,
Regards,
Ken Winch, FCSI
President
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