Our little team of volunteers crowded around the bus door to welcome arriving attendees. The door opened and struggling under the weight of an enormous backpack an anxious-looking woman stepped to the ground. The first volunteer in line made a split-second decision and hugged the new arrival. Then the formerly unsure woman took one step to the left and she was now right in front of me. Taking a cue from my friend I hugged her too. Soon the entire line of volunteers was hugging the new arrivals. The new arrivals headed toward registration looking just a bit more confident.
We take cues from leaders. The staff, board and members are notice how much we smile, how responsive we are, how genuine, how interested, how friendly, how long-term-focused, how strategic, how warm, how we assume responsibility, and how transparent we are. These actions set implicit expectations and serve as examples to follow.
Are you looking to set a new tone at your association? You can do it by starting right….now.
Onward!
Related posts: