Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Power is Required to Move Forward


It takes a lot of horsepower to move a pulling sled forward down the track, and it takes a lot of leadership power to move an organization forward.

I had the opportunity recently to operate a TV camera for CGTV during the truck and tractor pulls at the Pickaway County Fair. Now this was not the first pull I've ever been to, but it was the first time to see one from a different view. Being a spectator in the grandstands at such an event allows you to experience many things. You see the truck or tractor hook up to the sled, you hear the roar of the motor, and is some cases multiple motors, as the driver start moving the sled down the track. You see others in the stands as they watch and cheer for their favorite puller. You hear the announcer give the distance of the pull and make a few comments. My job this particular night was to follow the puller from start to finish and keep everything in the frame for the best possible shot in order to share with those not able to be at the fair on this night. I basically become their eyes and ears. I had to consider what the announcer was commenting on. Do I have a shot that will complement his comments? What emotions are the drivers going through as they get ready to pull, the nerves and excitement at the start, the intensity during the pull, and the elation or disappointment of how well the pull went. When I became more than just a spectator, I became aware of what it takes to be successful in the pulling sport. In order for me to help make this event a success, I had to get even closer and take on an important role.

The same is true in leading an organization like Farm Bureau. So many people watch the action of their county Farm Bureau from the proverbial grandstands. They're happy and proud when things important to them are going well, and they are upset when things aren't going their way. They talk about the various situations with family and friends, but they are not personally contributing to the operations of the organization. Farm Bureau is not a spectator sport. It takes individuals with leadership power to move the organization forward. It takes someone to climb into the drivers seat and make the correct choices to go as far as possible. It takes members to address the issues that are important and act in a positive manner to accomplish what needs to be done.

If you would like the opportunity to get involved and provide the power that is needed to move Farm Bureau forward, contact your county Farm Bureau office and volunteer. http://ofbf.org/counties/