This morning, I joined a group of volunteer's at my children's school to set up for one of the school's biggest events of the year. Now that I've done this once, I won't be doing it again. Here's why.
I have no problems with physical labor, but I don't expect to be one of the few people schleping tables around the gymnasium while one of the organizers hangs outside on her cell phone. Another volunteer arrived to help, so I thought. Imagine our disappointment (me and the other schlepper) when she too chose to spend her time on her cell phone, while we continued to pick up the slack.
If you are going to lead a project, then you have to be prepared to work side-by-side with members of your team. That means getting your hands dirty, right along side your employees or volunteers.
If you are going to volunteer for a project, then commit. Showing up is not committing. It's simply showing up.
For those of you leading teams, how many of your people are simply showing up? If the answer is even one person, then you are not doing your job. Coach and counsel them and if all else fails, fire them. Yes, even if they are a volunteer. Or you will run the risk of having your best people disenchanted with the whole idea of pitching in.
