Our todays future

So. I downloaded all Russian-MC applications and even read MCPs block.

Few general notes: finally we have guys applying to MC. How much time, efforts and luck it has taken from different generations: recruit them, provide opportunities for development on local level, bring role-models, raise-up successful LCPs and LC VPs, and now these amazing people are applying to MC. Rinat, Ruslan, Pavel (and Vic) I wish you all the best and consider you as strong candidates.

Dont be surprised that I am talking so much about gender balance - based on my personal experience, I see that men and women DO perceive things differently, think differently. It is not about the logic (here is the leader Masha Isaeva and noone can prove me the opposite), it is about the expectations that russian society has towards you. You are raised up with the inner feeling and it cant be changed even by few years of powerful leadership XP in AIESEC. Talking about expectations of society I link it with the line from AIESEC Way (positive impact on society), which means that girls and boys will be different leaders, different change agents for society. So far, AIESEC Russia succeeded in female leadership mostly.
So, if we are unconciously trying to fulfull expectations, it means we are disigning our AIESEC XP in a certain way and whats more, being MC we are moving whole organization based on our perception of ideal AIESEC XP.

Ok, more general notes: for the last three years that I am reading MC applications, there are two "things to improve" which I found in each and every application:
- AIESEC Russia brand in the network
- internal communication

And as nothing has changed since 2006 I came to conclusion that these points are bullshit.

About AIESEC Russia image I have mentioned already in previous post - untill it doesnt stop us from X growth, I dont care about the image. Look, if supply-demand are managed properly and X reflect external trends, there shouldnt be any problem with matching. There is only one reason for me to agree with this "aiesec russia brand" thing - if it allows our members to have better experiences. But looking at results of previous years, even now it is possible to become global coordinator, MCP or MC abroad, global teams etc.

About internal communication. Personal relations between members are much closer than I saw in many countries even though we see each other few times a year. In Russian reality it is simply impossible to gather people each weekend, like in Morocco (Rabat is 1 hour from Casablanca). As for virtual communication, reason of low activity is not the lack of infrastructure (vkontakte is updated veeery quickly), but low networking skills (when the goal of communication is not blah-blah, but mutual benefits) and low innovation around JD. It is not about joining "Pimp myaiesec.net" campaign, but coffees and lunches with IBLF, IAESTE and AEGEE, Rotaract and AYL members, about sending "thank you" letters to Business Battle and enjoying the process.

Remember, I am just old bithchy MCP, dont judge strictly:)

About the MCP candidates.
I am confused. All different, all equal. The main decision that AIESEC Russia should take is about the direction for next year, not the personality.
What do we need more? Inspiration? Value-based leadership and strong analysis? Immediate action? Pride and image-building?
I totally agree about "mind-shift" which happend in last year (starting from UBS award, Mauricio at NatCo and Big numbers, strong MC candidates, russians abroad and big number of raised in spring, Breakthrough attitude of MC team and Li Zhen at Plan-it, remarkable growth in Q3 and good representation at IC 08...), but what is next?
Sustainability and consistency is not easy decision, because you may not get results immediately. But what can be more exiting than dare to create future by ourselves, not just follow, than be consistent with AIESEC way in all our actions? And at the same time to be able think fast and create solutions wich will be bringing growth.