May-June SPEAKER magazine, 2021
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The Gift of Volunteering: I had the opportunity to lead a training team in Dubai. I've led teams in lots of cities, but What does this have to do with volunteering? Simple. It's about understanding that you have skills that your organization, NSA chapter, or team needs and values—sometimes as a member, being asked for your contributions, and sometimes as a leader, bringing others together for a common goal. There are some challenging mindsets, both about how to ask someone to volunteer and about accepting a volunteer position yourself. Asking for Volunteers An Craig Harrison, 2004–05 NSA–NC president, shares a top 10 list called "How to Make the Ask." How you ask for volunteers often determines the results you receive. Understanding how to make the ask is an important skill that can help you build boards and committees, form project teams, and even help find a marriage partner. Recognize these keys when asking for help.
2. Be positive. Sometimes it can feel like you’re "begging" someone to fill a slot. Get off the negative and share the positive. Frame it as an opportunity to build new skills or give all involved a sense of accomplishment. 3. Show respect and appreciation. When you recognize their skills, past track record, personality, 4. Give accurate and clear expectations of what the position requires. It's tempting to tell people what they want to hear, or only emphasize what is easy or fun. Give a fair explanation of your request and what it entails. This heads off buyer's remorse later on. 5. Listen to their issues or concerns. What are they worried about? What will they base their 6. Provide an appropriate amount of time to make an informed decision. Don't pressure, manipulate, or overwhelm them in hopes of getting a yes. That usually backfires. 7. Strive for win-wins. Use flexibility and creativity for mutually acceptable outcomes. 8. Accept their answer appreciatively, whether they agree to your request or not. 9. Be ready with a backup. Should your initial request be rejected, consider a counter-offer or 10. Thank them either way for their time and willingness to consider your offer. By treating them Being A Good Volunteer Don't be jealous of what other team member do better than you. Keep in mind that each person was asked and selected to be on the team because of the special skills they brought. Don't feel inadequate; instead, look at how your unique skills will combine with those of others to add value. Scott "Q" Marcus, former NSA–NC chapter president, instilled a great theme/challenge to chapter members in 2006–07. "The theme was "I gave my 30." I asked everyone to donate 30 minutes a month; basically, [it was] derived from one minute per day," he says. “The concept, based on the theme, was to break it down into such small bites that anyone could come up with the time to volunteer. Most people went on to do more."Volunteer! It’s a quality that will serve you well,
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