Forum Post: The Campaign to Find Campaigners

Im at a certain meeting last week, and there was a halfway decent turnout. Lots of talk about what needed to be done, a little talk about how to do it, and then....the meeting starts wrapping up.

Whoah. "So who is doing what by the next meeting?"

Thats how these things go. Lots of group think. No clear, achievable goals. But thats what it takes. It takes people having specific tasks, understanding what they are, and then having the inner motivation to follow through with them by the next meeting/deadline.

We had a discussion on why this always happens. I very clear answer came about- We are all volunteers. This isnt (for most of us anyways) a paid gig. Doing what is necessary to take care of the family comes first, and there's no problem with that. And its tough going to work all day, coming home, eating, and heading out again.

But when everyone is there, and the overall goals are in somewhat agreement, and everyone leaves with no specific task to carry out, thats where progress grinds to a halt.

With individual responsibiity comes a few things:

• It gives people a clear set of directions
• It helps people realize what their effort produced
• It generates momentum at the next meeting
• It hopefully motivates everyone to reach for a higher level the next time around

How many workgroups have we all been to where theres a few vague goals, with no real talk of the plans or organizing, and before you know it the meeting is over. Sure, we all know what the end goal is (sometimes), but as you are then sitting on the couch do you ask yourself "What, specifically, can I be doing right now?"

If you know, then do it. If you dont, then the next meeting this problem MUST be addressed, because otherwise you end up chasing away some of the good organizers, and demotivating those that stay around.

Specific goals. On a per person basis. They must be achievable. And they must be clear. And when the group meets again, a quick catchup of what was done, what still needs to be done, and whats next is a great way to structure it. 3 specific parts, plenty of participation, and building a efficient cohesive unit.

And thats all it takes.