AEA Battle (again)

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

It’s supposed to be a secret, but everybody already knows about it. What? The most recent skirmish in the AEA. I don’t know the specifics and I don’t want to know. I do know that I have seen these “conflicts of personality” over the years and that’s the main reason I’m not a member of AEA. Usually it’s conflict between the president and the committees and all the drama that goes along with it. The term “bitch fight” comes to mind. I’ve been thinking about this.

What’s wrong with the AEA is the structure itself. The people are GOOD and trying their best; but it’s the structure itself that CAUSES these fights. In the same way, our American federal government can’t work these days because of the structure of the government itself. I think our system is obsolete and therefore continues to turn-off the citizens. Americans are fed up with government.

Unlike Britain, that has a Parliamentary system, our separate Congress and Executive branches will continue to yield Republicans in the House of Representatives and Democrats in the Executive branch (President). With this combination, it’s a virtual “dead government” every time. Government does not work any more, and the AEA has the same obsolete structure. The AEA structure will always yield battles between the elected President and the Executive Committees. It’s all about the structure; not the people.

The AEA is an oligarchy! If you don’t know what that is, here’s the dictionary definition: “a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes.”

Vested interests, personal wants, egos and old ideas rule oligarchies. (In a sense both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate are oligarchies as well.) In a Parliamentary System, an election not only installs a new Prime Minister, it also empowers a new legislative group (Parliament) that has the same views as the newly-elected chief executive. They get things done! In our system, we elect a new president, expect change and only get political battles … battles that attempt to ONLY get rid of each other by “any and all” means. The structure itself causes the conflict.

It’s really time to change the structure of the AEA. All of these “battles” do only one thing: diminish membership. And, AEA membership is dwindling … and, for good reason. Who, in their right mind, wants to be involved in personal in-fighting? I don’t even want to hear about it. I think most electrologists are fed up with this unending behavior. I know I am.

What would work? AEA could have a strong Executive Committee (no president) and perhaps a “spokesperson.” The other alternative would be a generally elected President and an advisory committee. However, having two equally strong entities is a prescription for trouble … the kind of trouble we’ve seen for decades. It’s not the people; it’s the structure.

#2

I had many “in favor” emails, and one person that took my post personally. Nothing I said was directed at anyone personally … I was talking about the organizational structure of the AEA as a “systems analysis person” might look at the situation. I responded in particular, but have edited the following because I still have a couple points to make … I think they are valid and perhaps helpful in the long-run.

THIS is what I’m trying to say (in my last post):

“What’s wrong with the AEA is the STRUCTURE itself. The people are GOOD and trying their best; but it’s the structure itself that CAUSES these fights.” I’m trying to write an intelligent post about “corporate structure.” Please, don’t anyone take it personally?

Contemplating this, I think the AEA would work best with only a duly elected “Executive Committee,” and no “President” at all. Perhaps a spokesperson would be enough. Having a dual-power structure lends itself to internal conflict.

Once the Executive Committee made a decision, that would be the FINAL decision and the group would “go for it.” The spokesperson would only act as a representative and “figure head.” See, you cannot have two or three generals if you want to execute a successful “mission.”

I remember the brutality that was thrown at Terri Petricca, the “humiliation” of Joan Mahan, and then the conflicts with Patsy Kirby and her eventual firing — at the San Francisco convention itself! Talk about embarrassing? (All “kicked out” presidents.) I see a pattern here. Don’t you?

Frankly, I never did understand the basis of all these “battles.” I think they are NOT necessary and I am ATTEMPTING to understand why these conflicts continue to erupt.

Those directly involved need to take a step back from this and ask themselves WHY these conflicts continue to take place? Step away from the current “issues” and look at all of them as a corporate “system of behavior.” Repeat: a SYSTEM of behavior!

I’m trying to find the answer, and I think the answer is primarily STRUCTURAL. As I have always said, I have never met an AEA member that wasn’t dedicated and hard-working … all beautiful people really. (I’ve never met an electrologist I didn’t like.)

All of this “getting furious about nothing,” however, is at the very heart of why these battles rage on in the AEA. And, the duality of the power-structure allows pettiness (that always exists in every organization) to become a full-fledged power struggle.

Hairtell succeeds, for example, because there is ONE final authority: Andrea! There is no committee that shares decision-making power with her. If there were, this site would be a “mess!” Andrea is a true “benevolent despot.” And, it works.

Indeed, I would LOVE for the AEA to thrive. I’m a BIG supporter, but many of us just shake our heads at the continuing “warfare” that seems to erupt on a regular basis. I’m not a member only because of these endless wars; it frightens me! People need to look at the bigger picture. Change the structure and you might change the corporate climate!

And, by the way, I respect and love all of you!

#3

Nice way to end that, Mike. Love and respect, aahh…

My impression is that the AEA is doing a great job promoting electrolysis on FaceBook (public) and FaceBook (closed for electrologists only). The website is much improved, with much of the credit going to Barbara Greathouse. I 'm not an AEA insider and have no idea about what you speak, but your re-structuring idea sounds strategic enough.

What is the “battle”?

#4

Skip the last question - not important.

#5

I also love the chatter going on at the AEA facebook page… I think alot of fellow zappers are more willing to ask questions because its only for electrogists… and its so easy for me to just do a quick video of how i do something and post it on facebook than type a mile long answer. (writing,spelling and typing are not my strong points) Here im shy of saying to much because of that. There i really dont give much of a hoot about that at the facebook page (many already know im a bit of a nutter and just roll with it) … Besides by the time i see a post i would respond to one of the others (Who ive come to respect over the years James,Dee,Mike,Josefa,Barbara) Usually have Responded and manage to Type the same as I’m thinking and way better than i could have comunicated it … why reinvent the wheel. I am going to try to throw my 2 cents in here when i can… i recomend this sight often to people to learn more before they come in for consultaions.

#6

I went to the AEA facebook page and there is not much on it. Is there a secret facebook page for AEA members only? Maybe I was not in the right place.

#7

Thats a closed forum where You need to be added. Usually done by Barbara Greathouse.

#8

If you are an electrologist, Barbara Greathouse can confirm you from your Facebook page and allow you admittance . She guards the door pretty well, not wanting spammers and non-electrologists in on this closed discussion forum. There is an AEA public Facebook, but you are wanting the Facebook page for electrologists only. You will need a Facebook page of your own to gain entry. You can click on + Add A Friend at the top right hand corner.

#9

hey dee how the heck do i post pics on her… i cant figure out how to do it.

#10

I will call you or private message you when I get a chance, Kelly.

#11

I’m seldom one for political correctness, so why would I change now? I’ve been thinking about the current AEA strife, and the reality that all the “tension” is pretty much baseless. I mean there seems to be no reason at all for the difficulties. I have been warned not to express my views here in “public,” but this IS an electrolysis blog and these issues are important. Besides, I seldom react positively to “warnings.”

Yes, I do know that all these “issues” are supposed to be SECRET. But they’re not! Besides the AEA is supposed to be democratic, i.e., “out in the open and transparent.” Over the years, ALL these personality conflicts were supposed to be “top secret,” but they never were. And, they shouldn’t be either. “Keeping secrets from the membership?” Is that democratic? Well, about as democratic as the old USSR’s Politburo. Anyway, my very “politically incorrect” thoughts follow:

When I was a boy, this kid “Rob” regularly beat me up (usually with his twin brother Rick). The guys were bigger and stronger than I, and were sort of bullies. I didn’t like them very much. (Later, Rob played football for Norte Dame.) However …

When we played baseball, and I was given the chance to pick my team members, Rob was my first pick! Certainly not because he was “my friend,” but because he was the best hitter and a great shortstop player (really fast). We played as a team. Later on, he could get on with the job of harassing me.

And, that’s the “male culture” that I’m used to. I CAN work with people I don’t like. It’s all about getting the job done.

During WWII, there was a great deal of antagonism between Eisenhower, Patton and Montgomery. Still, the generals did not allow their personal feelings to get in the way of winning the war. “Ike” was put in charge of the Normandy invasion, and when he gave the order to “go,” none of the other generals uttered a word. It was all “go” and “get the job done.”

I don’t see this (usually) in the female world. Too often hurt feelings and grudges cause real difficulty in an organization. This enmity can last for years and years and have a bad effect on the group. Looking at all this strife between the Executive Board and the President? Well, it looks “personal” to me. Can you all “just get over it?”

Again, the association could be greatly helped by reorganizing the structure so “cults of personality” cannot develop into power elites. Yeah, I know I will get beaten-up for expressing a “male based” view. However, there might be some way out of the current difficulties.

How about “just drop the whole thing and move on?” Kiss and make up! You are all fine people and you should remember that.