Broken Windows Theory dictates that if windows are broken and left unfixed, people tend to infer a prevailing sense of indifference toward the upkeep of order in the neighbourhood.
Subsequently, they show less inhibition towards breaking further windows or similar anti-social behaviour – if nobody really cares, why not? Similarly, if it doesn’t really matter, why prevent it taking place?
If this attitude continues unchecked, it can cause the entire area to be affected by a rise in crime. Petty vandalism can lead to larger wrongdoings, as people perceive an apathy to lawfulness and feel free to act without restraint.
So what does this mean to Rotary?
Our clubs’ successes are defined by their internal cultures. High levels of meaningful service, ethics, integrity, respect and unity, as well as a commitment to fostering goodwill and assisting the development of both our own members and the wider community, are the foundations of Rotary worldwide.
These are our windows.
Occasionally, and regrettably, these windows get broken.
Areas of service may become neglected. We may fail to bring in new members or members who add fresh perspectives. We may defer the opportunity to undertake projects of significance or may not embody our values when interacting with other club members or when facing difficulties in reaching our objectives.
We have two choices once this occurs: we either identify and set about fixing the problem, or we do nothing and watch the resultant drop in standards… and membership.
Seems like an easy choice. But we all know that the right choice isn’t always the easy choice.
We can look to others to fix the problems, or even expect they will do so. We may believe we “aren’t responsible for” or don’t “own” the problems, so therefore they aren’t ours. We may even figure that nobody will notice, or that the problems will fix themselves over time.
In reality though, these “windows”, which our success rests upon, are every Rotarian’s priority. Small fractures left unchecked can lead to large breaks.
Great teams comprise of individuals prepared to be self-managing. They take personal responsibility for ensuring standards are met and raised further again. They don’t need to be prevented from breaking windows, they are out there fixing windows, polishing them and take pride in them.
We all, at times, get off course and our windows get broken. But it is how we respond to both our own broken windows and those within our vicinity that will define Rotary’s future success.
Published in Rotary Down Under September 2016