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Leadership

13th October 1967
Page 37
Page 37, 13th October 1967 — Leadership
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

LIKE many public bodies in this hustling world the Road Haulage Association is facing two particular personnel problems. Growing complexity demands new specialists, while public pressures demand the stating of views and policy by a powerful central figure. One who can focus the interests he represents and gain maximum effect from his pronouncements.

In the Association's case, the first need is being met, as the recent appointment of security and technical officers testifies. And the second need is clearly recognized—as indeed it was in the RHA's own reshaping report.

On the negotiating front there is no great problem. The chief executive, recently given the more realistic title of director-general, heads a reorganized operating structure; with his colleagues and specialists he can confer with Ministries and consult with the membership.

But on the public front—and on the high-level private one—there is no such ready solution.

The national chairman, Mr. Philip Turner, raises the problem in the forthcoming RHA Yearbook. The real nub is whether a busy transport man elected by his fellows can devote to the chairmanship the time and effort to match today's onerous demands. Mr. Turner doubts this. He is typically modest about his own considerable achievements as chairman, but the problem is a real one.

The alternative of appointing a permanent "head of state" is examined by Mr. Turner with a caution that we support, though with apparent favour. He asserts that the days when a part-time chairman could take a dynamic leading role are over. And he asks whether an eminent man appointed for a long term and having an entrée to the highest circles might be the answer.

He might. But we have all seen organizations held back by ageing, well-paid figureheads who would not take the hint.

There is still a lot to recommend an elected chairman. It is up to the electors to pick a man with the right talents —and maybe to groom their chairmen more deliberately. In national leaders the RHA has perhaps been luckier than it deserved.

Certainly the Association has been right to shun the answer which might once have served—to make its public statements on a political platform.

Tags

Organisations: Road Haulage Association
People: Philip Turner

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