Why do volunteer leaders struggle to create a strong chapter?
Lazy Leader Guru Cynthia D’Amour surveyed 650 volunteer leaders to learn their views about their leadership experiences and more.
She found three major themes.
1. ‘No Time’ is the cover-all smoke screen.
- People don’t have time to join.
- Members don’t have time to volunteer.
- Volunteers don’t have time to do what they say they will.
- No one has time to become a leader.
Cynthia says, “Good people just give up the ship when the no-time claim is raised. Few ask, ‘How can we make this so appealing people will make time?’”
2. Focusing on what you lack is the black mold of volunteer leaders.
The overwhelming majority of leaders surveyed focused on what they did not have. This poisons the chapter and makes it nearly impossible to get people involved. Instead, talk about what’s working, and what can be made better.
3. Successful leaders know how to generate excitement and fun!
Bring energy to your chapter by acting like a marketer and “selling” the fun and meaningful involvement your chapter offers. More people will be willing to join, to step up to volunteer, and to lead your chapter into the future.