ASQ Bylaws Changes

A few days ago, ASQ asked all members to vote on proposed changes to the Bylaws. It took some digging, but I think I now understand why these changes were suggested. I have also concluded that the changes will be good for the Society and plan to vote my approval.

What is really being proposed?

While on the surface it appears to be just title changes, the underlying effect is much deeper. First, the position of President will disappear, in favor of Chair of the Board. We will select a chair-elect every year, rather than president-elect. Second, our paid executive director in Milwaukee will become the Chief Executive Officer.

So what's the big deal?

For many years now, the ASQ President and Executive Director have held sometimes conflicting and sometimes supporting positions. The President generally had one year to accomplish something significant, then step aside for the next President. The Executive Director had one year to fire up staff in Milwaukee to implement the President's initiatives. Some of these initiatives stuck and some did not.

This lack of stability was also felt on the Board of Directors. Even though the Chair was officially in charge, the President was running the show. It was (and continues to be) hard to see the bigger picture and develop long-term strategies. A few years ago, the Board even referred to these as "living strategies." Our ASQ ship can not turn on a dime. We can not even turn in a lake.

What effect will these changes have to the members and outsiders?

I see our new CEO becoming the face of our professional society. He will represent ASQ to the media and other stakeholders. Including us. I also see more stability in staff direction. I see greater accountability for results.

So what will the Board be doing?

They will be providing policy and visionary direction, as they should have been doing all along. No corporation requires operating (process) procedures to be approved by the Board. We do. No corporation requires leadership assignments to be approved by the Board. We do. My hope is that the new Executive Council of past chair, chair, chair-elect, and treasurer, will have the ability to get the rest of the Directors to look at long-range forces affecting the ASQ. Often in the background. The Board will do a better job of defining policy and direction, allowing the staff and member leaders to implement.

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