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This was a tough question, I have to say. It took a good deal of thought. Great question!

Strengths
What advantages do you have that others maybe don’t have (for example, skills, knowledge, past roles, real-life experience of leadership)?

I have several advantages that I enjoy, be those by either luck or hard work. I am a veteran of the United States military, and in that capacity, I led others in extremely stressful situations. I am proud to say that quite often my leadership brought forth positive results. Additionally, I have studied Management and Organization Dynamics, and currently work in a role that requires me to be a leader within my company.
I have paid close attention to the workings of the club since I joined. I do not know everything, but I know where to look or who to ask for the answers. I have held multiple Senior Staff positions on a good number of ships simultaneously, so my ability to multi-task is above average.
I have also worked in the past a teacher and instructor, which I believe brings a good mind-set for someone in the Administration of the club.

What do you do better than anyone else?

I don’t think there is anything I can do better than anyone else. But I will say that when it comes to focus and reliability, I am above the average.

What personal resources can you access?

This is a hard question, because ‘personal resources could mean so many things. From an informational standpoint, I can draw from the club Library and established members with whom I have developed a relationship. I can draw from various internet sites for ST information and other needs.
From a mental standpoint, I can draw upon years of discipline and the need to stay dedicated to a task until completion to keep me on track and making forward progress.
From an emotional standpoint, I can access my utmost desire to see this club successful and a vibrant place for writing and creating.

What do other people see as your strengths?

I have been told many times that my reliability and drive to see those around me succeed are core strengths that I demonstrate on a regular basis.

Which of your achievements are you most proud of?

In my personal life, I am most proud of my time in the military and what my unit(s) and I were able to accomplish. I know that we did indeed make the world a better place.
In the club, I am most proud of being selected Captain of the Manhattan, the role previously held by a person I continue to see as a good friend.

What values do you believe in that others fail to exhibit?

The values I believe in most are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. While I don’t think that others fail to exhibit these values; I think the world would be a better place if more people did.

Weaknesses

What tasks do you usually avoid because you don’t feel confident doing them?

Anything involving math. I have always struggled when it came to that subject, and I still harbor a sense of dread when it comes time to do a financial analysis at work.
In the club, I don’t believe that there is any task or duty that I don’t feel confident in performing. Even if I am unsure the exact way something needs to be done, I know the other members of this club that are amazing about answering questions and lending direction.

What will the people around you see as your weaknesses?

I sometimes get tunnel vision when it comes to a problem, and I let other matters idle while I figure out a solution to whatever that pressing problem is. As far as the club goes, I haven’t been here as long as our esteemed opponents; although my desire to see it succeed is not proportional to my time here.
Are you completely confident in your skills or knowledge about the club and its bylaws and mandates etc? If not, where are you weakest?
I will be the first to say that I do not know all the by laws and mandates of the club. I am, however, quite happy to be learning them; especially in the endeavor of this election. I have already learned so much, and I am looking forward to continuing that. I understand the way the administration functions, and how things need to be proposed and addressed within the confines of the club, and I am confident that my expanding knowledge will be able to handle the work load these positions require.

What are your negative work habits (for example, are you often late, are you disorganized, do you have a short temper, or are you poor at handling stress)?

When it comes to work or duties that I have taken on, I always try to ensure that I have the time necessary to devote to it. Sometimes, I take on too much which means I have to step back from a few projects in order to address the duties and tasks that are most important.

Do you have personality traits that hold you back? For instance, if you have to conduct meetings on a regular basis, a fear of public speaking would be a major weakness.

I don’t think that I have any personality traits that ‘hold me back’. I do have some traits that can be, and indeed have been, seen as negatives. I have little patience for people being late, and when I get frustrated my language can be quite ‘colorful’, and not always in the most appropriate circumstances.

Opportunities

What help could you get from others around the club?

I have requested and received help from others on a multitude of topics ranging from Edicts and by law information to the best way to address AWOLs on a ship. At it’s core, I see this club as a group striving to support each other and do the best we can for the club as a whole. Asking for help is part of that.

Do you have a network of people to get advice from? And will you Utilize this in your role as president or veep?

I am very fortunate to know, or least have a passing familiarity with, a good number of people within the club. I would absolutely utilize those contacts in order to do the best job I can.

What trends do you see in the club atm, and how can you take advantage of them or use them to make changes?

Right now, I see a trend of overworking our GM’s. We simply need more people in that role. David and I plan on using that fact to encourage more people to take part in the GM side of SIMs and help distribute the workload more.

Is there a need in our club that no one is filling or doing? If so what is it and how will you identify and then address it?

I don’t see any need that isn’t being addressed, or at least discussed. What we need is someone to continue those discussions and get the appropriate actions taken as a result.

What do you think is the thing club members complain about the most? And how will you create an opportunity by offering a solution?

What I have heard most is that some players, especially the newer players, feel as if they don’t have much of a voice when it comes to how things are done. We have a good system in place but we should always welcome new ideas, even if we don’t end up utilizing them. David and I will be very proactive in seeking input from established and new players alike, and ensure that everyone feels listened to.

Threats

What obstacles do you think you will face as Prez or veep?

I think one of the major obstacles will be my only recent introduction to the Edicts and By laws. Fortunately I am a quick study, and I am reading and re-reading them daily in preparation.

What areas are you really not sure about that you will need to ask for help in?

I will need help in finding the most applicable Edict or By law to support what it is that David and I are doing. Fortunately, I know several members with a phenomenal knowledge of that area and I know that they are available for questions.

Could any of your weaknesses lead to threats?

I have spent most of my life training and educating myself to prevent threats and mitigate their impact should they arise. No, I do not see any of my weaknesses as potential threats to the club or to it’s members.

Part 2- Leadership
According to Daniel Goleman, there are six styles of leadership, results.
Visionary — mobilize people toward a vision.
Coaching — develop people for the future.
Affiliative — create emotional bonds and harmony.
Democratic — build consensus through participation.
Pacesetting — expect excellence and self-direction.
Commanding — demand immediate compliance.

Which style do you think you are and why?

I lead in a combination of Democratic, Visionary, and Coaching. Only by building a consensus on what your goals are can a leader develop and implement effective strategies to make them successful. And at the end of the day, a leader is only as successful as he trains his people to be.

Finally, what world leaders (past or present) do you admire most and why?

While not what many people would consider a ‘world’ leader, one of the people I admire most is Wilma Mankiller, first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Not only did she attain the highest office within her tribe, she did it in a heavily male-dominated culture. She worked tirelessly for the betterment of all of her people and improved living conditions and quality of life for not just the Cherokee, but the surrounding people as well; with access to clean water, electricity, and medicine. She persevered through cancer and a terrible automobile accident, and still managed to perform her duties and set the example for her people and the standard that the Nation and its people aspire to uphold. Her tenacity and dedication to her principles and people is absolutely amazing, and I find that inspiring.

I hope this helps you understand a bit more about me. As always, I am happy to answer any other questions or provide clarification as needed. Thank you.

James