How Staff Members Can Assist Association Volunteer Leaders in Accepting Reality

In life and work, it is vital to perceive situations as they truly are. This is particularly true for volunteer-driven associations where perception and reality often differ. This matters because without the right amount of continuous change, associations lose members fast.

Here are two examples of perception vs. reality:

• Perception: Chapters bring in the most members every year. Reality: Chapters rarely bring in any new members.
• Perception: A large association board helps disseminate information. Reality: Most board members do not do anything but attend board meetings.

When volunteer leaders possess a clear understanding of the situation, they make better decisions, create realistic plans, and anticipate challenges. However, acknowledging reality can be a struggle, especially for long-tenured volunteer leaders who are deeply invested in their cause and those who fear loss.

This is where staff members step in, equipped with the knowledge and tools to bridge this perception gap. So, let us examine how staff can successfully navigate this challenging yet crucial role.

Understanding the Challenge

The first step is understanding the inherent challenges that volunteer leaders face having spent years in an organization. Filled with zest and enthusiasm and sometimes bitterness and apathy, these leaders may find it tough to reconcile their vision with the harsh realities of the situation. This is demonstrated as over-optimism, denial of problems, assessments of the past, and misunderstanding the true implications of decisions. To help bridge this gap, staff can play a crucial role, starting with empathy. It is key to remember that any reluctance to accept reality typically comes from a fear of loss, rather than denial or obstinance. When volunteer leaders possess a clear understanding of the situation, they make better decisions, create realistic plans, and anticipate challenges. However, acknowledging reality can be a struggle, especially for long-tenured volunteer leaders who are deeply invested in their cause and those who fear loss.

Creating a Dialogue

Effective communication is prerequisite to accomplishing staff and volunteer leaders working together. As much as they might like, staff cannot tell a volunteer: ‘you’re delusional’ or ‘you’re living in the past.’ It is therefore more effective to foster an environment where volunteers feel comfortable voicing their concerns, ideas, and perceptions. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one conversations. Data is also a powerful tool. Accurate, up-to-date facts and figures can provide a realistic picture of the association's status, and therefore assist in shaping discussions around budget, planning, and strategy. This ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Building Trust and Transparency

Establishing trust between staff and volunteer leaders can be achieved by setting clear expectations right from the outset. Defining the roles and responsibilities of volunteers and staff, outlining the association's goals, and discussing anticipated challenges can create a solid foundation for transparency and trust. Encouraging volunteer leaders to participate in decision-making processes also gives them insight into the challenges and realities of the situation, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of the circumstances.

Providing Continuous Education

To help volunteers stay abreast of changing situations and realities, share regular updates about industry trends, market changes, and competitor activities and provide a context for the association's status and performance. Organizing regular training sessions can help volunteers better understand their roles, the association's operation, and the overall industry landscape. These sessions will not only serve as a reality check but also equip volunteers with tools for dealing with challenges.

Key Takeaways

Navigating the journey from perception to reality may seem like a monumental task, but with patience and careful guidance, it is more than achievable. Here are the key points for staff members to remember:

1. Approach the situation with empathy. Understand that a reluctance to accept reality typically stems from a desire to avoid loss of traditions.

2. Communication is pivotal. Establish a steady flow of open, honest, and respectful dialogue.

3. Trust and transparency are key. Set clear expectations and encourage volunteers' participation in decision-making processes.

4. Foster continuous education. Regular industry updates and training sessions can keep volunteers up to date with the reality of the association landscape.

It is all about empathy, communication, trust, and education. Bridging the gap between perception and reality not only aids in more effective decision-making but also creates a more unified team, capable of navigating any challenges the association faces. So, here is to the power of reality because it is only when we accept things as they are that we can begin to effect meaningful change.

By A. Nathan Mihelich