. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In an unexpected announcement the week of October 23, 2006, Bill Moody informed the International Board of Directors that the firm that bears his name would be terminating its membership in AGN effective November 1, 2006.

This resulted from its merger into a larger firm that had another international affiliation. Merger discussions had been apparently going on between Gamble Givens Moody and another local Charleston firm for the past eighteen months; these discussions had run into some problems and an independent mediator was brought in to try and resolve them. This mediator was the CEO of the firm which both of the Charleston firms are now joining!

The result of this withdrawal means that International has lost its current Chairman and steps have already been taken to fill this void, of which more news later.

During the fourteen months or so that Bill Moody filled the position of Chair, he brought to the organization his approach of freshness, openness and realism. His strategy of getting everyone on their feet at the start of the World Congress in Montreal to introduce themselves to their neighbours as well as demanding that delegates change their seats after every half day to meet and talk with new people exemplified his attitude towards his openness and the friendly approach that must be taken in an organization such as ours.

While only two years from retirement, he will no doubt bring the enormous amount of experience he has gained from being a member of this organization to his firm’s new home.

The International Board of Directors has reacted swiftly to this announcement. Within a few days, despite not being able to meet to discuss it, a successor has been appointed. Horst Schaffer, the previous Chair has agreed to fill the void until the date of the next International Board meeting. Horst comes with the advantage of having a pedigree of previous Chair experience (he held that position from the Cancun through to the Beijing World Congresses). During that time his natural enthusiasm and common sense approach to all issues saw the organization through some difficult times and set the basis for our future expansion.

I feel sure that the organization is in very safe hands for the immediate future and whoever takes over from Horst will continue the development of our association to the continuing benefit of all member firms.

Nicholas Blake
Chief Executive Officer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Editor’s note:  Professionalism and integrity are essential attributes for anyone. But what does being a professional entail, and what are the key characteristics? Dr. Khalid Maniar, Managing Partner of AGN MAKand AGN International Board member, explains the foundation for a successful career – and it is universal!)

1 Go beyond the expectation
You should sensitively and fairly serve in the best interests of your clients and the stakeholders in general. A professional instinctively does what they know to be right.

2 Be the best
A professional should be an expert in their chosen field. As a professional, at all times the best is expected of you. You should be a master of your profession and should speak with genuine authority.

3 Be responsible
As a professional, you must be transparent in your work and take responsibility for all the decisions that you make. Do not lose focus of the goals of every piece of work undertaken.

4 Once a professional, always a professional
An essential part of being a professional is being able to maintain the standards. A true professional demonstrates his or her integrity in everything they do, both personally and professionally.

5 Self-discipline and commitment
Professional’s quality is to have control over your actions and take responsibility for what you do. You must be self-disciplined and be ready to face any problems and find solutions no matter what. You should be fully committed to what you are doing and seek advice where needed.

6 Be a role model
As a responsible professional, it is natural that others may look to you for guidance at some point in your career. You must be an example to others and have the urge and the aspiration to attain and spread knowledge to your peers. You must have the ability to lead and act as strong, positive role models.

7 Appearance
You should always dress appropriately to the surroundings and role. Being smartly dressed indicates that you take yourself and your job seriously, and can reassure others that you are a responsible and trustworthy person.

8 Communicate clearly
Professionals must be able to communicate with a range of people and businesses in an efficient and clear way. You should use tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients and other professionals.

9 Be ethical
Professionals are supposed to behave in an ethical manner and most professions have system of ethics. As a professional, one is expected to behave well and not bring his profession into disrepute.

10 Be reliable
You must consistently demonstrate responsibility and reliability as a professional, Complete your duties and assignments fully and in a timely manner, take initiative in undertaking tasks, and fulfill the obligations you undertake.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .