My father often said, “If a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well.” He believed that if a program touched the lives of people in positive ways, it was good for a person to get involved with that worthwhile program.
(Colossians 3:23-24), “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” vs.24 “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
There are programs in local churches and businesses that depend on volunteer help to support their efforts in promoting assistance, services, etc. to the community, especially an act of charity or goodwill.
These outreaches require faithful individuals that are willing to give of their time and talents. Commitment is the key to the success of any program as dedicated workers help to promote them.
Individuals that understand commitment and are passionate about the cause, usually demonstrate this passion by getting involved. Gratification comes in knowing they are doing something worthwhile to help recipients that need it. As they do their part it makes performing the job pleasant and rewarding, while fulfilling the responsibility of their commitment.
Commitment is the first step to accountability. Without accountability, less responsibility may be the end result. The success of any organization or business outreach is dependent not only on volunteer help, but responsible directors that know how to show appreciation and respect to those doing the work. A sensitive awareness of the importance of showing gratitude is vital.
A fundamental responsibility of any director, leader, or executive, whether paid or otherwise, is to value the time of volunteer help. Possessing the skills needed to work with people, and the ability to organize successful programs are challenging undertakings. Any person stepping into these leadership positions should strive to display a positive attitude in the presence of others. Commitment should be their primary focus. They are key people that stimulate others to give of their very best in time and energy.
It becomes a double standard when those in charge are not as committed as the volunteers on the front line where the pressure is heaviest. Some organizers say by their actions, “Do as I say not as I do.” Everyone should be accountable to one another including the head person. Staying committed is the goal that everyone should aim for.
If a leader values the importance of volunteer help, and they are grateful for the time that is given, their actions should reflect the gratitude they feel. When true appreciation is present, the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm at gatherings and meeting places. Contentment is shared by everyone, because of the sweet harmony that is amidst leaders and volunteer help.
The person in charge must stay sensitive to the time donated by volunteers, because of the sacrifice it takes to be involved in outreaches; the sacrifice of time. It may be a hardship for some that commit themselves to programs, because of the time that’s taken from responsibilities at home. Leaders that expect them to commit their time and talents to programs should demonstrate their own involvement as a shining example. When this is done, programs succeed.
Time is precious. It seems the older I get the less time I have to accomplish what I want to get done each day. Prioritizing is crucial not only for personal success in life, but to the programs I involve myself.
If leaders routinely misuse time by giving little thought to its importance, this practice causes others to do likewise. Failure to make the best use of time and having it count for something takes away the persuasive influence leaders have, especially if the time they misuse is that which is given by non-paid helpers.
Pleading words to stay committed to programs fall on deaf ears, because the ability to stimulate volunteers wanes. Ears lose sensitivity to appeals when discontentment is in the air. Leaders that fall in this category run the risk of programs stagnating and perhaps failing.
When those in charge lose their sensitivity of time, they infringe upon the goodness of faithful people, because they lost sight of an important rule; don’t waste time. Volunteers begin to feel that their time is not important to the leadership. Anxiety sets in and the desire to continue giving of their time fades.
It’s not a good practice to expect committed people to put up with ongoing disregard of their time. This is like saying, “Your time is not important to me.” At this juncture when frustration peaks, people tend to drop out of programs that they were happy doing.
People don’t mind helping as long as their time is appreciated and valued by the headship of the outreach. The chafe comes when a leader arrives late to a scheduled meeting, and because of their tardiness and the work that needs to be accomplished, they keep everyone past the designated time for dismissal. This is wrong. My father would tell them, “It’s better to be a half hour early than one minute late for anything that you’ve committed yourself to.”
If a meeting was scheduled to start at an appointed time and adjourn by a certain hour, it is the responsibility of everyone involved to be punctual at the beginning of the meeting to allow the group to leave on time. The leader should be prepared and ready to start without equivocation, rather than everyone having to wait on them.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1), “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…”
When a person in leadership is lax with their awareness to the clock, their word becomes tainted; faithfulness and accountability of those under them weaken. The working environment is strained and weariness overshadows the group. Common principles of courtesy will prevent these things from happening. They are critical when heading up a successful program when dealing with free help.
Success does not begin with the volunteers. It is initiated at the top where the visions and goals of leaders are expressed and outlined to the group. Together they then set out to achieve the goals before them, while the leaders establish a standard of excellence for all to follow.
(Proverbs 21:5), “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty…”
If volunteers are able to prioritize their time with their busy schedules, and remain punctual to meetings and programs, it behooves those in charge to do likewise. They should consider the affect that a non-committal to time-management is having on those that are willing to be involved. When they do, everyone remains focused and happy.
(Hebrews 6:10-12), “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” vs.11 “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,” vs.12 “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Written by,
Papa Boyd
No comments:
Post a Comment