The Incoming Leader: Accepting Losses
People don’t like change. Change usually makes people unsettled.
Volunteers can walk away at any time. When a change of leadership occurs, a crisis of change will occur for each of your volunteers. As you take over an existing team, expect the loss of some of your volunteers.
Here is often what they are thinking:
- “I liked it when xyz what leading, she did things better”
- “Things just aren’t the same after Joe took over”
- “Remember when we went over to Sue’s house for that BBQ? We never do that anymore”
By building success and trust with your volunteers, you are helping them adjust to the change. However, expect to lose some of your volunteers. There is nothing you can do about it. Don’t take this loss personally. Brush it off and move on. Do your best to work with those that remain, building trust and success with them.
The important step is to stay focused on your calling and vision. Continue to build and develop your passion with those that remain.
As a leader, you will be faced with losing volunteers. Expect it. Prepare for it. Don’t let it distract you.
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