Don't Do All The Work Yourself!
As the chapter leader, you are often faced with the dilemma of deciding
whether to complete a task (such as calling inactive support group
members) yourself, or to teach someone else and have that person do it.
While it may seem easier and quicker to do something yourself, teaching
someone else will yield greater, more lasting rewards.
If you have a specific task for a willing
volunteer, this may be an excellent opportunity to provide direction and
support to the individual. Certainly, completing tasks quickly and
independently is good, but investing time and effort with our group
members is better! Choosing to train someone takes courage. It also
takes more effort, will probably take longer, and may not even turn out
as well as you would like.
But remember that a chapter leader's
success is directly related to the competence and commitment of his or
her co-leaders and group members.
To get started, spend a few minutes with
your volunteer to explain the task, step by step. Take time to express
your expectations as well as the desired result. As you walk through the
steps required to complete this task, encourage your volunteer to take a
few notes if that will help. You might also offer to put these steps in
writing for him or her.
After the initial discussion, be
available for the person to touch based with you. Also, be open to new
ways of doing things that the volunteer may come up with as they may
think of something you didn't.
The end goal for you is developing a
highly competent and committed volunteer. The most obvious and direct
benefits to the volunteer: they learn a new skill, and their greater
involvement increases the likelihood that they will stay active in the
group. It is a deliberate process that takes time and effort, but the
result far exceeds the initial cost. So, the next time you face this
dilemma, make sure you fully consider the leadership opportunities and
group investment available from training someone. It will be well worth
the effort for you, the willing volunteer and the entire chapter.
Think about the possibilities. Some
sample tasks include:
- Arrive early to set up the chairs for
the support group meeting
- Welcome support group participants at
the door
- Arrange brochures and newsletters on
an information table
- Review a new DBSA brochure and offer
the support group participants a synopsis
- Deliver a chapter advertisement to a
few local churches for their newsletter
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