First off, I think we really need to look at what has worked for our guild already. I have had several discussions withing the guild leadership on this issue. Also, I want to note I approach this with the authority and consent of Zermata. Her and I have discussed these topics quit thoroughly. My mission here is to try to help this process along. It seems to be a common belief that being loose nit, care free, and with a focus on the social aspects of guild life has contributed to much of our success.
Our guild is very special this way. If you look at our origins, about three years ago this guild was put together by then Cronix, later Alkira with the premise of a culmination of a bunch of "vagabonds" to share there wow life and experiences. There was not much for requirements only that you had fun, treat others well, and have a decent sense of humor.
I joined this guild with my first horde toon, Galecke, and was one of the most inspirational moments ever in WOW. I met with Cronix on the plains of Mulgore and was brought into the guild with a tour of Cronix's home lands with an explanation of the plight of the Tauren. Talk about some tremendous RP, I was instantly impressed with Cronix(Alkira) and his vision and focus in WOW. I was instantly drawn in by his charisma and his ability to exude confidence and leadership. When I found out later how old Alk was, I was even more impressed.
Since then our little clan has grown quit well. With any given moment we are looking at around a 140 members including the numerous alts (i am one of the largest violators) and a really strong contingent of about 20 active players. Also, there has been a great measure of loyalty amongst our group and a sense of belonging and pride. Self investment is very crucial to overall organizational success. I still marvel at the feat that was pulled off on Christmas with the gift giving to other non-guild players. This speaks volumes for the backbone and potential of our family.
Now we have grown, now we have players maxed (80), and now we have the question facing us; what is next? There is always a point in an organization where that question is posed. And why not, it is human nature to progress, look into the future, and want something they feel great empathy for to succeed. It is my belief from my 39 years of experience in WOJ (World of Jeff) that an organization must continue to grow or it will die. Without goals, milestones, and motivation to move forward an organization looses it's worth to the members. I have seen this in many domains, from professional organizations to charities.
Growing is the easy part, directing this growth to success can be a little more challenging. With growth, there is an tremendous need for direction and organization. The direction we have been receiving and for the most part; the leadership has been bottled into really one to two players with the lead and the majority of the responsibilities weighing down on the shoulders of a few. This brings me to my next belief: You must be able to delegate authority, responsibility, and success to be a vibrant successful organization. This delegation is a two way street. Not only does the powers at be need to be able to trust in the middle management and leadership of the members but also there needs to be volunteerism and consent by those in those positions. It truly is a complicated formula but when vision and goals are defined it is much easier for members to take personal stake and responsibilities.
With this rambling of mine, I ask you this question, "What do you want for the Twilight Society?" I will outline below a plan I have, in taking a hard look at what we are all about and where we all would like to go. Again this is no easy task, and I envision my role and compiling the data and providing some recommendations to the members to see where folks may want to venture. I need to probably qualify my ability to make such assertions. I have a degree in Sociology, taught Sociology at the college level, and have a professional skill set in project and organizational development.
Phase I - Identify and Define Leadership Roles
What does this entail? What is a Father, what are they suppose to provide for the guild? What is a mother? What is a Twilight Knight? These need to be more than titles. The role of these positions need to be identified, detailed, and spelled out. It should be a privileged to serve in these leadership positions but also involve some responsibility.
Phase II - Identify Direction, Goals, and mission
As a group where do we want the Twilight Society to grow. Do we want to raid, pvp, gather socially, help others, or roleplay. Or do we want a combination of these things with certain priorities. These goals need to be identified, outlined, and managed. Without management, goals often fall to the wayside without disposition. Unaccpetable for success.
Phase III - Implementation
After a careful examination and reporting of phase I and II, a plan for implementation has to be made. This involves taking our goals and vision along with our clearly outlined leadership roles and giving folks the responsilities at hand.
What your probably thinking is "ok, what do we do next?" Simple really; you need to express your ideas on these topics in writing and submit them to me. You can comment here, post in guild forums (has limits, that is why I post this information by blog), or by emailing me at scucmd@gmail.com. I would ask that all submissions be provided by 02/01/2009 so that a proper review and report can be complied. This will take us through step's one and two and the start of three.
If you care, and I know many of you do, take a few minutes and let us know your thoughts. Look at the time some of you spend with your guild, should be pretty easy to see the value in providing insight and guidance into what we all see is a very enjoyable thing.
Reign on Twilight Society........
From the Sharpened Pen of ~ Dolance
Blood and Honor!
