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. :)
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DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat observations.
DeleteI'm glad that went well! I hope your next person is someone you can rely on.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteWow good for you Kathy! It's like you just fired someone!-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI don't think 'fired 'as much as 'encouraged to find out what works for them'.
DeleteOh, that was brave of you. What good advice from your colleague.
ReplyDeleteWe all learn from each other, don't we?
DeleteLike you, I do not like confrontations. Good for you Kathy that you were able to reach and express your concerns to this person. This is why (in some cases) that people have a difficult time volunteering for jobs...Many times you end up having to do everything yourself which then turns into a JOB
ReplyDeleteI think I can count on one hand the times I've handled a confrontation like this effectively :-)
DeleteThis is a difficult situation and you handled it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteIt sounds like you handled the situation just fine. Good job!
ReplyDelete:-)
DeleteOh yes, I volunteer a lot and I have that happen. I have to admit that I now am more likely to be the person who needs jogging than the jogger. I have resigned from two positions before I got the phone call, and feel better for it. So, you have had to do a not-fun job of calling someone out, but that person probably feels thankful.
ReplyDeleteThere's a season for everything isn't there? I have started saying no to some opportunities and it feels good.
DeleteIt is extremely hard to confront people about sensitive issues. Especially when you are the type of person who always follows through on your commitments. I am glad you were able to clear the air! As a store manager, I once had to confront an employee about body odor! Living in South Georgia with the humidity and heat is tough enough, but this employee did not use deodorant, and her vehicle was not airconditioned. While talking to her I came to the conclusion that her childhood did not include an education about hygiene. She was a good employee otherwise. That was the most difficult task I had as a manager. It was easier to fire someone!
ReplyDeleteWow! That would be a hard conversation to have about someone's personal hygene.
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