The Leipper Management Group Headquarters for Organizations

Dear Association Leader

25 October 2000

Motivating Members

Membership is an ongoing process. Is is common for many associations is to focus on recruiting new members and to forget retaining current members. Just because a person joins an association doesn't mean they can be forgotten. Their motivation to remain a member and participate in association activities is important. _ Lead On! _ suggests that "motivation is a process within the individual, and therefore the 'motivatee' is the one who is in total control of the situation, not the leader of the group." The book lists ways to promote the motivation of members such as:

Create a climate that encourages all members to speak up and then listen to what they are saying.
Non-verbal signals can be important indicators. Be aware of those given by members and be responsive to what you see.
Show awareness of the individual. Use first names and mingle and talk with members, especially new members or those that tend to be less involved.
Involve members in all aspects of the association, setting goals, brainstorming ideas, discussing issues, as well as carrying out tasks and duties.
Be creative with project and committee work. Divide big tasks into more manageable parts, fit the work to the individual, focus on the end result rather than the method of getting there.
Keep the lines of communication open. Use a variety of methods to keep members informed. Take a proactive stance in regards to communication. Knowledge strengthens members bond to the association, builds trust, and creates a sense of ownership and belonging.

- - From Others - -

"Accurate information is a key part of motivation." Mary Ann Allison. 1984.

"Motivation will almost always beat more talent." Norman R. Augustine. 1987.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

"Most salesmen try to take the horse to water and make him drink. Your job is to make the horse thirsty." Gabriel M. Siegel. 1984.

"To business that we love, we rise betimes, and go to it with delight." William Shakespeare. ~ 1600.

- - For a Good Read - -

Drucker, Peter F. 1990 Managing the Non-Profit Organization HarperCollins, Publishers New York, NY

Drucker, Peter F. 1992 Managing tfor the Future Penguin Books New York, NY

MacLeod, Flora, 1993 Today's Volunteers. How to build and lead a terrific team Self-Counsel Press Bellingham WA

Morrison, Emily Kittle, 1983. Skills For Leadership Working with Volunteers Jordan Press Tuscon AZ

Lawson, Leslie Griffin, Donant, Franklin D., Lawson, John D. 1982 Lead On! Impact Publishers San Luis Obispo, CA

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