Micro Management

Discussions on delegation of duties

The tour operator identified for the Bangkok-Pattaya tour has backed out. He was supposed to report to Shekhawat last evening, but did not show up. Worse, he was not taking any calls. Effectively, he has lost our trust. We will now catch another operator.
The good news is that Shekhawat has come to terms with the need to focus on ‘quality’, rather than the ‘quantity’ of people he takes on the tour. Bitterness from the past tours of Goa, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh surfaced and some names were even taken (mostly of outsiders) who should be avoided by all means. His argument of enlisting outsiders “only when there is a shortfall within the Club” did not cut any ice. Everyone insisted that however small the group, we ought to restrict it within ourselves and more so, on an overseas tour when chances cannot be taken.

Sitaram braves today's heavy downpour

In the process, members reluctant to join would come forward automatically.
Finally, after detailed discussions, it was decided to leave the management of cash and overall planning to Shekhawat and the moment we enter Mumbai airport, his involvement would cease. Responsibilities will be delegated to others in advance to micro-manage various activities/ issues. This would not only streamline operations, but relieve the burden of stress on one or two persons. Moreover, it should instill a sense of equal participation and eliminate complaints of unfair dominance, favoritism and hijacking the trip. Most important, time will not be lost on wasteful activity.
The key activities to be delegated were identified as follows:
AIRPORT: Check-in, filling up immigration forms, security clearance, etc. both at Mumbai and Bangkok and customs clearance back in Mumbai (2 persons)
HOTEL: Allocation of room keys, dealing with hotel staff, room changing, etc. both at Bangkok and Pattaya (1 + 1 persons)
LOCAL TRAVEL: Sightseeing, shopping and daytime meals (1 + 1 persons) at Bangkok and Pattaya.
LIAISON: 1 person dedicated to liaise with local agent of the tour operator right from Bangkok airport and return.
EMERGENCIES: 1 person specifically for any medical contingency, accident, police case, etc. S/he will also provide every member with a SIM card from a local convenience store the moment everyone checks into the hotel.
LADIES’ MANAGEMENT: A senior member, who can ensure the compliance of ladies on meeting at pre-decided time and place, especially after shopping, leaving the hotel, etc. (VERY IMPORTANT!)
GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL: A go-to person for resolving personal problems and disputes during the trip.
Who does what would be decided by the group after the visas come through. The idea is that everybody gets to enjoy the trip and nobody feels left out, discriminated or over-stressed for any reason.