Florida Society of Certified Public Managers®  

By  Jerald L. O'Cathey, FPEM, CPM
Ocathey-Jerry@monroecounty-fl.gov

It is with great pride and anticipation that our Florida Society of Certified Public Managers® (FSCPM) will present, February 13-14, our 17th Annual FSCPM Symposium and Awards Banquet. Most appropriately, and in keeping with our CPM mission and objectives, this year’s theme will be that of “Team Building.”

By definition, according to Mr. Webster, a “team” is “two or more draft animals harnessed to a farm implement or two or more players on the same side.” Regardless of whether you are speaking from the “back 40” or the cabinet of newly appointed Governor Crist, the definitions of team and teamwork share the same underlying concept and motivation: a common objective and purpose.

With the talents and professionalism embodied within our current FSCPM team, and building upon that foundation already provided us by our past leadership, this organization has, through an intensive review of our past practices and a shared vision of our future goals, continued to pursue the goal of maintaining our status as the largest and strongest state CPM society in the nation.

Often such worthy pursuits require substantial change. This change will only come about as a result of a thorough reevaluation of existing and traditional means and methods. One example of such FSCPM efforts has been that of a revision of our existing by-laws. These amendments to the existing document will, upon final acceptance by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers® (AACPM), provide our Standing and Special Committees further, and more specific and measurable goals and guidelines. Another revision as provided by our collective FSCPM Team’s “retrospection” and “hindsight,” has been an extension of the term of the Presidency from one to two years. This will override any necessary “OJT” learning curve and, will provide a more thorough knowledge of the “players” and the “program.” This provision will allow a more expedient application of the required skill sets demanded of this position. These are but a few of the changes the FSCPM will incorporate into our organization.

In summary, it is only through a team approach by which the FSCPM will be able to bring about this desired change in course. Only then will we be able to more appropriately address, as with any viable civic and volunteer based organization, those needs necessary for the growth of the FSCPM.

Recognition of evolving societal changes is essential to the “organizational health” and future growth of the FSCPM. Some of the elements demanding such acknowledgement include the demographics of our new generational “X” and “Y” cultures, web based marketing tools, intra and interstate web based communications, as well as the amplification of further benefits to our existing and future membership base.

“Walking the walk and talking the talk” regarding these actions and needs is essential to obtain our desired results. This is how we will remain and persevere as the pre-eminent CPM leadership organization we are.

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin

© Copyright 2007, American Association of Certified Public Managers®