Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. The most common example used to describe this phenomenon is how a group of lions pursue prey for the common good. Also being known as the king of the jungle due to it’s leadership qualities.
When John Samuelsen was elected president of TWU Local 100 the year started with huge fanfare with the membership showing their goodwill. They had high expectations from the new leadership. However as the year progressed it led to disappointment and resentment of Samuelsen and his leadership. The membership was stunned by the layoff of over one thousand our fellow co workers and were dismayed at the response to this critical issue from John Samuelsen and the leadership. From there onward Samuelsen and the leadership were unable to get out of the hole.
We have heard many stories during the year however we will give John Samuelsen a no grade for 2010. That would be fair since it has been claimed to be a transitional year for Samuelsen. That may be so however from now onward whether good, bad or ugly it will be his.
Solidarity fund has left a sour taste and has poisoned the atmosphere among the membership. Family day to the theme park in New Jersey added insult to the injury due to the nature it was not inclusive for all. The empty treasurer position raises a huge red flag of corruption, we should never have let the fox guard the henhouse. The losing of the deposit of the monies towards the purchase of the property at 350 Schemerhorn Avenue was not good. Also moving to 1700 Broadway a building that is unfriendly towards the membership is not a wise decision.
One positive was the mass membership meeting even though it had its shortcomings. A single microphone was restricted from the opposing views in the general assembly, and it was limited to known lackeys.
One of the low point that we found troubling is that calendars whether wall or pocket book were not presented for all of the membership to feel excited about their TWU Local 100. If in the event that we are elected we will promise that every member will receive a wall calendar and pocket book calendar. As a sign of solidarity a T shirt will be given to every member whether they are in good standing or bad standing. We will make one uniform T shirt for everyone showing equality and unity.
For 2010 there is no grade for John Samuelsen. However it is not clear whether he demonstrates that he can solve problems and explain solutions or whether he builds ideas off others in conversations.
