On Being a Pelican.

[arontius]

.....Greetings!

.....I am pondering a conversation I had with someone at Crown this last weekend. Let me set the scenario here. It’s Monday morning and I’m on my way to the Seneschal’s meeting. Master Ljotr had asked me to take on the duty of taking notes for the meeting (a while back, maybe a year and a half ago) and I said that I would.

.....This person asked me why I was doing this and I told this person that among other things this gives me a chance to listen in to what is going on with the Seneschallate and the current challenges and triumphs happening around the Kingdom. It also gives me some exposure and experience in what a Seneschal think, says and does. It has been a goal of mine for a long while to be a Seneschal.

.....This person then suggested to me that as a Pelican shouldn’t I be stepping back and letting others take on the tasks that need doing, such as being a Seneschal? I was taken aback for a moment and said that I had never been a Seneschal and would like to experience the role. Where being an autocrat is rewarding in that you get to guide a group of people towards a common goal, the end is finite and always in site. Being a Seneschal can give you, at least in my opinion, an even deeper satisfaction. You have the opportunity to guard and guide your SCA family and influence them ever so slightly in your vision of what the SCA is and what it represents. It is something that is long term, a marathon as opposed to the sprint that being an autocrat is.

.....This person went on to suggest that it was also something of a disservice to those coming up in the ranks to be taking on a job such as this as I was taking away opportunities for others to excel.

.....I’ve done a number of things in my SCA career. I’ve held the offices of Constable, Chronicler, and Exchequer (as well as a handful of Lesser Offices and Guilds). I’ve autocratted a number of events, both large and small. But the Office of Seneschal presents a unique challenge. It is something that intrigues me and something that I’d like to experience.

.....And it’s not like this person is a fringe personality or is unintelligent or a unmitigated freak or anything of the sort. This is the sort of person for whom I have a great deal of respect and normally listen very attentively if they have anything to say in my general direction. The fact that I disagree with them so much on this issue is part of the weirdness I feel on this whole issue at the moment.

.....So, as a peer (Pelican), is one supposed to step back and merely be a guide to the 'younger' generations? Are we expected to no longer get involved in what we consider the fun aspects of administering the Kingdom? Believe it or not, I enjoy meeting the challenges of an administrator. It can be hectic sometimes and a real nail biter, but it feels good to have done something good to help our your Kingdom.

.....Pelicans were made Pelicans because of the service they have given to the Kingdom and to the SCA. It feels like a shame to step back on the level of service just because you have a new dangly around your neck. In fact, it seems like a disservice in and of itself. But maybe I'm looking at it incorrectly.

.....For some reason, when I was made a Pelican I was not given a copy of the bestseller, ‘How to behave like a good peer’. I’ve had to learn through trial-and-error. :-)

.....I'll have to ponder on this.

.....Arontius / Aaron.

Comments

[khalja.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I really really disagree with whoever that was. Just because one has been recognized as a Pelican doesn't mean that one has finished developing or growing. If I have to step back and let other do all the work then they can have the dang thing back. Seriously.

I love teaching, but I also love the doing and challenging myself on new projects and new ideas. I neeeeeddddd that.

On the other hand, if I had been a Seneschal (to use your example) for, say, 10 years and wasn't stepping up to let someone else give it a try that would be a whole 'nother thing.

In my view, Pelicans, just like an other person are works in progress. If we don't grow, we die. Or get bitter and crabby.

Or maybe that's just me. *grin*

[freewaydiva.livejournal.com]

As neither a Peer or someone interested in being Seneschal, I offer this:

I? Cannot teach something that I haven't been taught or participated in. That may or may not be true for you, but I can hardly expect you to be able to guide someone else in being a Seneschal down the road without having done it yourself. That's like me - who has never picked up a sword - instructing a new fighter. I've *watched* it, and I kind of have an idea of how it works, but I've never *done* it. That's just goofy.

Also, consider that often - maybe even more often than not - there *isn't* anyone new all ready and raring to go in taking an office, or autocratting, or whatever service needs doing. If the people who already enjoy doing those kinds of things don't take those things on...who will?

And everything that khalja said. It seems that whomever you were talking with is a bit short-sighted on this issue, which is unfortunate.

[gwen-the-potter.livejournal.com]

I agree with what has been said here. You don't have to stop growing once you have attained peerage. And seneschal is not an "easy" position. To do it right, you really have to learn alot. I can see it as a position you could learn a lot in, and indeed, how can you teach others if you have not experienced it.

Seneschal is not a newby position. An experienced player, one who has had time to observe and participate in the SCA should be the one in that position. And how can you aspire toward Kingdom Seneschal if you have never been a Baronial Seneschal?

I've heard the same from people in regards to Laurels. Granted, I'll probably never compete at Baronial level again, unless is it in an area that is not my main interest - contestants do get spooked when going up against a Laurel, it's just one of those things that happen. But compete at Kingdom Level - one day I might. It's something I haven't done before...sound familiar?

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

its funny. every person that says you should step back to "make room" is matched by someone who feels that peers need to "step to the plate"

cant win for tryin, can you? ;)

follow your bliss, sirrah. me, I try and limit myself by taking on those challenges that will teach me something new or be really really fun. other challenges? I can mentor others in those.

its a good balance for me :). If I am not growing and learning I sit around and get very very maudlin....

[andras120.livejournal.com]

I'm going to agree with all the sentiments expressed thus far. I believe that we have an obligation to continue to provide an example and to continue to expand our horizons, perhaps even more so once we're a member of a peerage. I was asked pretty much the same thing when it became known that I wanted to become Seneschal of Aquaterra (none of that, you guys!). I disagreed then and would disagree now. I for one cannot teach what I haven't experienced. I for one think that having our "peers" be the leaders in our community is a good thing (tm).

I would say that the subject definitely deserves thought time. That helps define who we are as peers. But I'm confident you will realize that you can challenge yourself with a new job without harming anyone else or preventing them from growing.

[lenora2112.livejournal.com]

Throwin' my opinion in the mix here... I also disagree with what that person said to you. What an odd thing to say to someone! I didn't stop doing anything that I was doing after I was elevated. Do what you want to do! It's not like you're stalking and removing seneschals (be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting seneswhals) to advance your own nefarious plans of becoming an evil overlord. You have just as much right as anyone else to take on jobs that you find interesting and challenging.

I say, if the opportunity arises, go for it!

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

I think it has to be decided on a case-by-case basis. Or on a service-by-service basis.
No rule or bestseller can cover everything.
We don't talk a lot about 'reflection' but we all do it.
"What did I do that worked in that situation?" "What do I wish I had done differently?" "What have I learned".

[countess-e.livejournal.com]

There's a time when it's good for you to foster someone else along, and a time for you to be the one to do the job. Learning the difference is, IMO, the answer to one of the many mysteries of life, i.e., how to be a good Pelican. The question is new every time and doesn't have always the same answer. And hey, you ever score a copy of that best seller, pass it along ...

[nadezhda13.livejournal.com]

Part of the oath we swear is a bit about continuing to do as we have been to the utmost of our ability" or something like that. To me that is license to keep doing what you're doing, and not step back and only be a mentor.

As an example, I'm stepping back from running gates, cuz I have done that to death. As others have mentioned, there is nothing there that's really new to me. I am teaching gate classes still, and I will put in some hours occasionally, because often help is needed in the weehours and I get to greet people as they come in, but for the most part I've got the T-shirt.

But I am still ramping up and trying to learn all I can about kingdom office. Cuz that's exciting, and challenging, and a bit scary (in a good way).

Additionally, one of the biggest complaints about holding office at any level is "no one told me how to do it / I didn't have the right kind of experience to do it right." So rock on! Wanting to know how to perform a job before you get into it is a Right Way of Thinking, in my humble opinion.

[merouda-true.livejournal.com]

I can't recall exactly but didn't the Pelican oath say that you would continue doing what you'd always been doing?

[manyra.livejournal.com]

Agreeing with pretty much what everyone said (you don't stop what you've been doing because you were made a pelican but it's ok to change it up a bit or take a step back) I do have to say something like this would never be said out my way because we may be fighting the opposite problem. It seems that too many new pelicans have disappeared for various reasons right soon after elevation. There's now a conscious effort to reverse that tide.

OK, so know I have an LJ

[hrollaug.livejournal.com]

OK my old friend, you've got me to create an account.

Since, you see, the comment his is fretting about was mine.

But, he did leave out the larger context. If the issue was just taking notes for Ljotr at this meeting, it would not have generated the comment.

Besides attending as the note-taker for Ljotr, he is also the deputy/contingency Seneschal for the Barony of Dragons Laire (unless something has changed while I wasn't paying any attention)

He is also the secretary for the Dragons Laire Fiscal Committee.

He is also the Merchantcrat for 12th Night.

He was also Autocrat for July Coronation (his 2nd major Crown event).

and (of course) he is Kingdom Chronicler.

...and somehow I think I am forgetting a task still.

So you see my comment was not inspired by my friend doing one, or even two jobs. But rather, several. By doing so, it is my opinion, that Aaron is preventing other people from having similar chances that he had.

Further, it is my opinion, that, given similar skill sets, it is better that Kingdom jobs be given to a Peer, rather then a non-Peer. Simply because, in our society, being a Peer gives what you do more weight.

In a similar vein, it is my opinion that many other tasks could be done, and done well, by people with far less experience. Which has the advantage of giving these people the experience they need to take on tougher and rougher tasks. If we don't give people the chance to develop these skill sets, how are they going to be ready for the tough jobs in the future?

TTFN
Ralg

Re: OK, so know I have an LJ

[arontius]

Welcome, Master Ralg. I thought that you were lurking out there somewhere. :-)

I still have to disagree with you on this if only because the only large job (that takes up any real amounts of time) is that of Kingdom Chronicler. J.C. is complete and the remainder are pretty minor items that no one seems to want to do anyway. I've asked a number of people on a number of occasions.

But I see your point and will consider it further in the future.

Arontius.

Re: OK, so know I have an LJ

[andras120.livejournal.com]

Hi, Ralg. Good to "see" you.

Teh Ruminations

[mrq-laurellen.livejournal.com]

I've been 'ruminating' on your post since you made it but, as you know, things have conspired against allowing me to make comment. Until now!

I went to the Kingdom website and counted all the officers. I did not count the secretaries of the Peerage orders or other polling order. All in all, unless I misscounted, there are 86 officers that run this Kingdom. Of those, 31 are Peers (both Royal and 'Normal'). That means that Peers make up 36% of the driving force of the Kingdom. So I wonder to myself what would happen if suddenly we all decided to go away and not do anything.

Two things come to mind. First, someone would whine that we were sitting on our 'laurels' and that we should never have been made Peers in the first place if we were going to stop doing what it was that we did to be elevated. Second, the Kingdom would sure suffer. While it is true that non-Peers would step up to the plate, the vast wealth of experience that Peers bring to the table would be sorely lacking.

So, whomever that was that said you should step back? Ignore them. I do. I've been talking about Kingdom A&S Champion for awhile and I get the same thing... "but you're a Laurel. Shouldn't you let others compete?".

They can still compete; I'm not stopping them. But I refuse to let go of my dreams just because someone may feel inadequate to the challenge if I'm in the mix as well.

Harsh? Possibly. But it all comes back to chickenz. Sometimes, I let others herd my chickenz because I've already done so. Sometimes, I want to herd those chickenz again (KMOAS) and sometimes, that there is MY CHICKEN, and I will not let it go.

Re: OK, so know I have an LJ

[mrq-laurellen.livejournal.com]

Ralg has some good points... but I still say it all comes down to CHICKENZ. Are these chickenz of the type that you really want to herd at this time? Or are these chichenz that you herd out of habit? Or are these just chickenz you are so used to herding that they are hard to give up? Or maybe you like chickenz... some people do.

I still also say that if these are chickenz you really want then listen to people but follow your heart.