Tactical advice on leading freak volunteers - Flipside Leadership Workshop

This is a list of 20 tactical "tips" on managing and working with flipside volunteers, whether as part of the theme camp or the flipside organization.

1.Communicate often and early; about meetings, team responsibilities, time lines, everything.

2.Set regular meeting times for your team and stick with them.

3.Have somebody take meeting minutes and action items. Email/post them to your team after meetings so everyone knows what is going on.

4.Track what you have delegated to others in a list. Follow up and find out how things are going.

5.Get acknowledgement from you team members when something has been delegated to them. Ask your team members to tell you what they are going to go do so everyone is on the same page.

6.Find out how you can help your followers and do that. Ask them what they need to get their work done.

7.Use email for announcements. Use face-to-face or phone for anything that is sensitive.

8.Praise your team. Some people want praise in public, some want personal acknowledgement one on one – figure out what works for each person and do that.

9.Speed of the leader, speed of the pack. If you move quickly to take care of things, your team will also.

10.As the leader, you are here to serve your team. Find out how to make them superstars.

11.If your team is construction oriented, set up a physical space at the warehouse that is productive and works well for the team. Make sure the logistics are handled so that people have the tools, space, and time to get the work done. Again, if you need help, ask.

12.Take care of yourself. Physically, emotionally, mentally. If this means taking out part of your volunteer time to rest, let someone know and do that.

13.Make time to plan what you are doing before meetings or work times. Block time on your calendar or plan to spend 'prep time' before your team shows up. If you are 2 steps ahead of your team you can lead them anywhere.

14.Listen. Seriously. What is your team telling you by their actions and words?

15.If things aren't working, check your accountability first. If it is your problem, acknowledge it to your team, ask for help, and then move on.

16.If somebody is making mistakes or causing problems, speak to them one to one in person or on the phone. Not email, not in front of the group. If you don't know how to do this, get help.

17.Know and honor your personal skill set. If you are great at planning but are no good are recruiting, find someone to help you recruit.

18.Take a moment, step back, and evaluate. Is your team making the progress it needs in order to complete the job? Are they having fun? Are you? What's working? What's not?

19.Who on your team can help you lead them team? Who outside your team can help you lead the team?

20.Have fun! This is Flipside!