Two women were very much alike. Both were better than average students, both were personable and both – as young businesswomen – had built successful small companies.
Years later, these two women sold their businesses and wound up living in the same town.
They were still very much alike. Both were happily married. Both had three children. And both, it turned out, volunteered at the same large museum.
But there was a difference. One woman couldn’t find one friend at the museum. The other became president of the Board of Directors.
What happened? On the first day, they both went through “orientation” and discovered that you don’t volunteer, you are volunTOLD. The slow progress frustrated both of them. But only one was able to disengage and accept the situation humbly. She could see solutions, but was able to remain outwardly yielding.
The other let her ego get in the way. She wanted to fix everything quickly. She started pointing out what was wrong. (Even the best non profit organization can be improved – but not instantly.) The other woman who went on to become president of the Board of Directors created lots of change. She did it by working like nature, slowly and imperceptibly until one day the fruit ripens.- Shar McBee
An interesting question came in: As an excellent volunteer, how do I deaL with very bad leadership? (Most everything is written about how leadership should deal with volunteers.)
You have to be willing to walk away. And it is hard, especially if you feel deeply about the cause. I think it is a good idea to tell the person and the Board of Directors of the organization why you are walking away. Although the odds are against them listening and actually making changes, if you are willing to sacrifice your popularity, you might…and I emphasize “might”…help your cause.
Thank you for this provocative question. Shar
For obvious reasons, this person doesn’t want his name published. But I thought his response to my response was worth posting:
Thanks for the affirmation. I intend to take a break from something I love and am passionate about. Ego sure does get in the way of providing good leadership.
And my response to him:
To be of service is a blessing. And it really hurts when the opportunity is taken away. Don’t try to fill the gap immediately. It is better to go towards something you are passionate about (rather than away from something you are trying to avoid.) Let the blessing come to you,