As you prepare to cast your vote for the Defcol Club and Defcol Welfare Association elections, it’s essential to select candidates who are committed to the colony’s best interests and can effectively deliver on their responsibilities. Here’s a guide to help you identify the most suitable candidates based on the key traits and qualities:
1. TIME AVAILABLE TO DEVOTE TIME TO THE COLONY. Depending on which designation your candidate is contesting for, from the President to the Block representative and all AC members, the minimum requirement is to give 5 to 20 hours per week to the colony work. Merely standing for elections and winning and not being able to spare time on colony duties is surely detrimental to the colony as now another deserving candidate has been deprived of a seat and that person’s contribution to the colony. If your candidate has a full-time job or is very occupied with domestic chores, small children, ailing elders who need constant attention, likely to travel out of Delhi frequently and for long duration and even unable to attend RWA or Colony events or simply wanting to be elected for the status etc, then kindly dissuade this person from contesting. For those who do not have the time for this important assignment, please wait for the right time when more time will be available for you for the colony before putting in your candidature.
2. GOOD MANAGER. The candidate you choose should have held some office of responsibility in the past. Managing the colony requires strong managerial skills. Those without any or little experience will find it very difficult to deliver. Please remember these associations do not have any permanent paid managers. It is only clerical staffs who ‘go on forever’ and subsequently rule the roost. The office bearers will need to manage with little resources and deliver a lot. They need to draft important letters to Govt. departments and officials and address the concern to the correct office and officer. A bonus to have persons in the committee who will be able to liaise with govt. offices at the top level.
3. LEAD FROM THE FRONT. Defcol has some major issues to be resolved like a permanent solution to the cleanliness of the nala, cleanliness of the colony, parking issues, commercialization of the area, encroachment issues, club & a few more. Mere pen pushing from the RWA/Club office is unlikely to achieve these. Relentless follow-up with Govt. Departments and on ground checks requires a motivated RWA with perseverance. You’re your candidate have it? Is he/she a foot soldier?
4. TEAM PLAYER. No committee can have a successful tenure unless they work as a team. Is your candidate more interested in his / her own publicity? More on taking selfies near places where work is going on? Trying to take credit for works done even if HE / SHE is partially or not at all involved? Will oppose a good idea / initiative because it was not suggested by him /her? Will whole heartedly support the decision once it is taken even if he / she feels otherwise? Or has come into the committee to sort a personal vendata. They should work collaboratively and support team decisions. Confirm the above before casting your vote.
5. INCLINATION AND EYE FOR DETAIL AND THINK OUT OF THE BOX. Ours is a large and porous colony.Committee members need to tour around the colony frequently noting anomalies and such areas which need corrections and improvement. A damaged sign board, new area of encroachment, nonfunctional lights, damaged civic works, improvement in parks, traffic issues etc. Moreover, with the lackadaisical attitude of the Govt. agencies we cannot wait for sanctions and such like to get work implemented. Hence the need to pre-empt and think out of the box and get the work completed.
6. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS. Your candidate needs to have the capability to handle all types of persons. The ability to handle disputes tactfully and avoid unnecessary legal confrontations is essential. Our association member(s) must be approachable and not high handed.
7. CORRECT TEMPERAMENT. Working in such committees is a thankless job. There will be few residents who did not get what they want, or some issues did not conform to their individual views. Candidates should be able to handle criticism and remain composed under pressure.
8. HONY TREASURER. Financial Acumen is necessary. Ideally should have qualifications in accounting. Must also possess the general qualities required for committee members.
9. AGE. Age is just a number. The candidate must be alert in mind and body. Being computer literate and up-to-date with modern methods of functioning is a must today.
