Deepening insight gained from Listening & Learning sessions
FROM THE GRF PRESIDENT
by Jeff Mulqueen
GRF President
I conducted three Listening & Learning sessions during the month of September. These activities can be of great value to the community and to the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) because they provide shareholders with a platform to be heard, which fosters trust and increases confidence in the GRF Board of Directors.
It is important to distinguish between Listening & Learning meetings and other types of meetings for community members. They are not Town Hall meetings, such as those used to exchange information between officials and shareholders. They are not official meetings of the GRF Board of Directors or GRF committees. And there is no special power or authority of the GRF president to act on any particular issue. However, they are powerful vehicles for shareholders to express concerns, new ideas and provide feedback.
I collected 17 pages of notes from the three sessions. Although participants were encouraged to speak candidly, all participants respected the boundary that no names would be used.
Eight Mutual presidents met with me from 1:30-3 p.m. on Sept. 15. I assured the presidents that GRF seeks to provide support for them and shareholders in our community. When Mutual presidents succeed, residents thrive. When residents thrive, all of Leisure World benefits.
The concerns of presidents focused on a couple of broad topics. For example, they would like some refinement of the technical supports that are provided from GRF for presidents and their boards. Increased access to more accurate data in real time would be helpful. They had some ideas for making meaningful changes to the way violations are processed and the content of violation notices. Presidents speculated about the possibility of improving the function of Proptia and traffic patterns at the Main Gate. They expressed their dependence on quality support from the GRF management team.
All their concerns, feedback and ideas reflected deep commitment to the Mutuals and will be forwarded to the Presidents’ Council and to the GRF administration for consideration and follow-up as may be needed.
Approximately 50 participants attended the meeting for club officers on Sept. 21 from 1-2 p.m. Officers represented varied and multiple topics of concern and a lengthy list of ideas and feedback.
Their comments reflected specific connections to particular clubs and activities.
Examples of topics included: why air conditioning in the various clubhouses is so unevenly effective; if responsibilities for equipment could be distinguished between those of the Recreation Department and those of the club; and, the possible improvement in conditions in some clubhouses. Clubs expressed interest in having greater access to closedcaption technology and possibly livestreaming their meetings. Ideas for the use of the marquee to publicize club events and the scheduling of events were aired. One idea evolved into speculation about the prospects of publishing an annual printed personal schedule that could be completed by using a full schedule of club activities.
All their concerns, feedback and ideas will be funneled to GRF Executive Director David Norvell and the GRF Board of Directors for follow-up as may be possible and appropriate.
More than 130 shareholders participated in the Sept. 25 meeting from 1-3:30 p.m. As might be imagined, a very large group of participants generated a very broad range of concerns and ideas. Examples include medical services, pest control, pedestrian and driving safety, irrigation, the Amphitheater, transportation services, the Trust Property User Fee, emergency preparedness, and even a proposed dog toileting area. While one person might speculate about the possibility of automating one or more of the gates, another volunteered an idea about using technology to eliminate the duplication of work required by recording data on paper. All these thoughts will be forwarded to Norvell and the GRF Board of Directors for action as may be possible and appropriate. Every contribution helps to fortify the bridge between the community and the Board of Directors,
More than 130 shareholders participated in the Sept. 25 Listening & Learning meeting conducted by GRF President Jeff Mulqueen (photo below). reducing misunderstandings and conflict.
I am grateful to everyone who participated at each of the three meetings.
Participants also expressed gratitude for the time that was dedicated to them and asked for more opportunities in the future. Listening to residents demonstrates the high level of care that each director feels for the community and its residents.
Great things are possible when everyone works together.
