Weekly Posts and Insights
Leading When No One Has to Listen to You: What volunteers have taught me about leadership, trust, and the limits of authority
For much of my career, I have lived at the intersection of professional management and volunteer leadership. As CEO of a Chamber of Commerce, I work with boards, committees, community leaders, event volunteers, business owners, and civic partners. Through Harrington Brands, I also train supervisors, employees and leaders. The longer I do this work, the more convinced I become that leading volunteers (unpaid people) is one of the purest tests of whether someone can actually lead, because the people in front of you are not being paid to listen to you!
The Aptitude and Attitude of Our People
Discover the power of adaptive leadership, where leaders tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of their team members, whether employees, volunteers, or community members. Instead of a rigid, top-down style, adaptive leaders ask, "How can I get the best out of my people?" By understanding and responding to individuals' Aptitude and Attitude, leaders can effectively motivate and nurture their teams, creating a supportive and dynamic environment.