Leading the Way - December 2009
Motivate ↔ Inspire ↔ Stimulate ↔ Prompt ↔ Encourage ↔ Egg‑on ↔ Induce ↔ Cause ↔ Trigger‑off ↔ Provoke
What do these words have in common? For those of you who are wordsmiths, you probably know the answer. For those of you who are not (like me) – the words above are synonyms of each other.
By definition, the root of the word motivate is “motive” defined by Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary as something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act.
Simply put, members must believe in the association’s objectives before they decide to get involved. Further, when members do believe, they will use their talents and put forth the effort to further those objectives. Personally asking individual members to help is the easiest way to gather volunteers. It can be much harder to keep volunteers engaged.
Create a list of tasks that volunteers can accomplish in a short period of time, such as preparing the association’s calendar of events, creating event flyers, proofreading articles, writing thank you letters, or updating the web site. Are these volunteer opportunities flexible? Because of the Internet, volunteers can work 24/7, especially if clear instructions and reasonable deadlines are provided. In addition, by breaking down jobs into small tasks with short timelines leaders can reach out to members who haven’t been seen recently providing ample opportunities to be involved without taking on the responsibility of an officer position or committee chair.
And speaking of committee work, are clear job descriptions provided for each committee? Will training, mentoring, orientation, or support be available? Finally, decide in advance how volunteers will be recognized and make sure you follow through. Volunteers need to believe that their time is being used effectively. If they so believe, volunteers will remain engaged and inspired to give their time over and over again.
Try switching the term “volunteer” with the word “consultant.” A consultant is one who gives professional advice or services: an expert. Referring to your volunteers as consultants puts a whole different spin on volunteering. By providing the start and stop timeline and being specific on what needs to be done (particularly for short assignments), your volunteers, i.e., “consultants,” may be more inclined to give up their time, figuring “Hey, I have the knowledge needed and a free moment to handle that task.”
Be a flexible leader open to modifying the job to suit the time availability, location, or other issues of the volunteer. Be specific and honest in what you need, then recognize the volunteer for a job well done.
Volunteer motivation has three simple parts: the need, the job description, and the benefits. Be clear on these things and members will be induced to volunteer time and time again.
Motivate ↔ Inspire ↔ Stimulate ↔ Prompt ↔ Encourage ↔ Egg‑on ↔ Induce ↔ Cause ↔ Trigger‑off ↔ Provoke
Make these words part of YOUR leadership vocabulary!
Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS
2009-10 NALS President-Elect
Think Big!
Change your association. Change yourself
Below is a sample form which may be helpful in encouraging members to volunteer
Calling All Consultants!
[State or Chapter] is seeking consultants to assist [state or chapter] in
various capacities. There are many opportunities for your to use
your expertise. Please complete and return the form to President
_______________ at _______________.
Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email:
| I would enjoy (check all that apply) | I would like to volunteer: |
Writing newsletter features |
On short finite projects |
Planning state/chapter events |
On a committee |
Preparing flyers |
On a subcommittee |
Planning education seminars |
More than 10 hours a month |
Planning fun events |
2 to 10 hours per month |
Organizing community activities |
About an hour a week |
Writing press releases |
About two hours a month |
Being a liaison to vendors |
On a regular basis |
Being on the Promotion Committee |
As needed |
Being part of the speakers bureau |
|
Proofreading newsletters and flyers |
|
Activity prep and clean up |
|
Research funding sources |
|
Recruiting other volunteers |
|
Working on the web site |
|
Doing computer work |
|
[Include other items relevant to the state or chapter’s needs]