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 By
Dick Koob, CLU, ChFC, AEP, NAIFA President
Last month, David Woods asked each of us to step up
and ask what we can do for NAIFA. It reminded me of the quote from Henry
Ford, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress;
working together is success.” We are getting closer to success.
Last September, I posed the question, “How do you
put a 21st-century engine on a 19th-century chassis?” Since then,
the Transformation Task Force has been attempting to do just that. The
recommendations of the task force were based on much deliberation and
considerable feedback from our extensive surveys. (For a copy of the task
force’s report, go to www.naifa.org
or call 877-TO-NAIFA.)
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Updating the bylaws
In one member survey, the question was posed, “What are the
most important elements of the NAIFA bylaws that the National Council
should control?” Overwhelmingly you said the two most important
powers of the National Council should be to elect the Board of Trustees
and determine the amount of national dues.
In an attempt to bring the NAIFA bylaws up to
date, that is what your Board of Trustees is recommending—that
the National Council retain the sole authority to elect trustees
and raise national dues, but empower the board to make other bylaw
changes. (The National Council would also be able to amend the bylaws.)
Many of you have questioned this recommendation.
Let me give you examples of why I believe this makes sense.
At the April board meeting, discussion ensued
regarding our members who may be called to active military duty.
The suggestion was made to waive national dues for anyone who was
called to serve. No action could be taken because the board does
not have the authority to waive national dues.
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Two of our conferences, AALU and GAMA, came to the board
this past year requesting changes to their bylaws. Ironically, the NAIFA
board has the authority to approve changes to our conference’s bylaws,
but cannot change NAIFA bylaws without the National Council’s consent.
When the Transformation Task Force began its work, it
started with a vision statement and ultimately a new mission statement.
The mission statement is a clear, concise reflection of who we are today.
Since the National Council must approve the new mission statement—as
it is part of our bylaws, technically, we will not have a new mission
statement until it is approved in September. Is this 21st-century thinking?
Electing representatives
In his book, Good to Great, author Jim Collins talks about getting
the right people “on the bus.” NAIFA’s bus is the Board
of Trustees. The National Council has the final say as to who is on the
bus and who is off—and even who is driving the bus.
Our National Council is made up of representatives of
state and local associations. It currently elects those who will serve
on the Board of Trustees. If you elect good leadership, you should trust
that leadership to act in your best interest. If you think changes need
to be made, you have that authority. Use it.
Richard A. Koob, CLU, ChFC, AEP, is a financial representative
for Northwestern Mutual in Waukesha, Wis. He was elected president of
NAIFA in September 2002.
This Month
Cover
Story
Expert to
Expert
Making
the Transition
Managing
Money
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About Us
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