One day I was grumbling to someone about the situation, and that person pointed out I wasn't doing Backup any favors. They suggested I talk with Backup to explain my position and ask if they understood where I was coming from.
That sounded like an interesting plan, but I really dislike confrontation. What would happen if Backup got angry at me or got defensive and tried to make me the baddie? How would I follow through?Backup lives on the other side of the state, so it wasn't feasible to have a face to face conversation. I procrastinated making a phone call for almost a week, but eventually I put on my big girl panties and did it. The call went to voice mail, but I got a call back a couple of hours later.
During our chat I was factual, telling them I needed someone who communicated well and followed through when they said they would do something. I asked them to think about if the time commitments for this volunteer task were too much for their available time, and assured them no one would look down on them if they decided to step away.Two weeks later Backup told me they had decided it was best to step down. Although I was sorry to see them go, now I can look around for someone else.
Five years ago: What Would You Have Done?
Your situation speaks to why volunteers quit volunteering, but your actions speak to truly valuing volunteers' time and encouraging more volunteering. Well done, baddie. :)
ReplyDeleteI have found that people who had responsibility in their jobs continue to be responsible in retirement activities. Can you look among your members and see who did well and was successful in their career? Ask them to help you. I've also noticed that people who did not work or held careers where they worked on their own, can sometimes be less dependable. They have never had to answer to anyone.
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