Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You take action to correct the problem by putting someone else in
that sector.
According to Rick Kauffmann, a United Way fund-raiser, this is the wrong
approach when you are in the middle of a campaign. It isn't practical
to change in midstream -- but maybe next year you will put another person
in charge.
Also, these people want to help you and help your cause. Kauffmann says
when you are a charitable organization, you can't afford to offend people.
Putting someone else in charge in the middle of a campaign will wound that
person. It also might not solve the problem. So you might have to look at
whether you've done your part.
To get good performance, you need to:
- Make sure they know what they are supposed to do
- See they have the materials to do the job, know how to do it, and have
the skills to do it right
- Ensure they want to succeed
Have you explained what you expect of them? Let the person know
what you expect to be done and when you want it done by. Make sure they know
exactly what they are supposed to do. "Give them deadlines...I would really
appreciate it if you could do this by this Friday," says Kauffmann.
Does the individual have the skills and materials to do the job right?
Have you checked to see if the person knows how to ask people for money? Have
you taught them what they need to know?
Are they motivated? If they know what they are supposed to do and
have the ability to do the job, then motivation might be the issue. When
the person is a volunteer, you can tell them that you really appreciate the
importance of what's being done. You can also help them get excited about
what they are helping to do. Let them see how they fit into the big picture.