Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions.
Provoke Conflict?
Clubs and Associations are by their very definition a group of like minded people. Which I feel is part of the reason that people eliminate conflict wherever and whenever it appears, in meetings, on the field trip or at an event.
Obviously there is a time and place for everything, but provoking conflict will only provoke interest and engagement, it will cause people to describe what they really think, or perhaps kickstart thinking along a different tangent.
It is a very handy mechanism or tool in a good managers toolbox. Handling the conflict actively and professionally and is a whole other discussion.
Next time you’re in a committee meeting, put out some verbal rope out to play with, highlight a threat or a concern and give it a gentle rub. Sure it may be a little uncomfortable, but resolving these issues in the open will make for a stronger bond.
After all, if these things were never discussed and actioned wouldn’t that result in an even more uncomfortable position later on?
Not just what you say….
As a leader of your club or association, its sometime easy to forget that volunteers and members will dissect meaning from everything you do, not just what you say.
As a leader you must completely model the behaviour that you want from your team.
Great leaders use this to their advantage. Constantly reminding people of what is expected of them.
Nothing will be negative to your club than if your leader says one thing, but demonstrate another through their actions.
It’s what you don’t say, or say off the cuff that will typically become the cornerstone of your leadership.
