Ms. Executive Director

I got elected Executive Director of the dojo where we practice aikido.  The Executive Director is responsible for the "business" aspects of the dojo.  We have a treasurer to pay the bills, a secretary to publish the newsletter and file testing papers, as well as a facilities manager to take care of cleaning and maintenance.  As far as I can tell, my job will be to make sure that the other officers do their jobs.  We have a lead instructor, who makes all instructional decisions and arranges seminars and testing.  All I think I really have to do is sign the lease and check up on everyone.  I will preside over meetings, call them to order, keep them going and announce the adjournment.  

In addition to all this, people look to me as a kind of leader.  If anyone has an idea to do something, they run it by me first.  I guess people just want someone to follow.  As a teacher, I make dozens of decisions on the fly every day.  That must bring me some kind of experience for this job. 

We are beginning a new era in the dojo.  While Sensei was alive, none of the officers had any real power because he mirco-managed every little thing.  We now have to be responsible adults.  It is time for us to grow up.  I think we are up to it.