Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Followers Important Too

Have you ever said, "I don't mind being on that committee, but I don't want to chair it?" This is because we think of the chairperson as having a much bigger role to play than the ordinary member of a group. There are added responsibilities in accepting a leadership position, but there is a lot to do as a committee member, too.

Good followers are as important as good leaders. After all organizations have far more members than officers. Without active, participating members, organizations cannot accomplish their goals.

How can you be a good member? Diane Jones, family consumer science specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas has some suggestions:

Participate with enthusiasm.

Offer your time and your good thinking. Don't wait to be asked.

Contribute as many creative ideas as possible.

Voice your concerns openly at meetings, not behind the scenes. Recognize that thought-out dissent is healthy and usually leads to better decision-making.

Give your leaders feedback on their actions. This includes thanking them for their hard work on your behalf.

Read material that is sent to you ahead of time. Come prepared to talk at meetings.

Respond to mailings as soon as possible, including paying dues on time. Save your leaders the time and expense of second notices.

Make every attempt to attend meetings on time. If you must be absent call in advance to explain. Send in your report anyway.

Help the chairperson to stick to the agenda and to control members who tend to go off on tangents.

Follow through on your commitment to complete work.

Know you limits and say "no" if you truly cannot handle a task requested of you.

Tell others about your organization and encourage them to join.

Welcome new members warmly. While you have a right to volunteer to be with people who are already your friends, try to avoid forming a clique.

Volunteer to implement some of your good suggestions.

If you do not know how to do something ask for training.

If you are experienced in doing something, offer to be the trainer.

Passive members give their leaders more work than is necessary. Members who participate on their on initiative help their organization to prosper  and have more fun, too.

The Cooperative Extension Service works with many organizations. Developing good leadership skills is an important part of our mission.

To learn more about leadership opportunities contact the Clark County Extension office at 246-2281.