Leadership In A “Voluntary” Organization

March 19, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

We are all leaders at some point.  We are all called to lead and almost in the same token your role in an instant can interestingly change to being that of a follower.  In a nutshell as you lead one has to be mindful of the fact that you may be asked to one day follow. So as you lead, it behoves the sensitive leader to be aware that your role can be reversed with very little notice. Most persons who work in small or micro enterprises do so almost voluntarily. In most cases it is a labour of love as most small enterprises cannot pay a living wage to its volunteers or workers. Whatever one does is a form of leadership. As a leader you are always in show.

What is leadership?

Leadership means stepping out in front and setting the best possible example to whom one leads.  What you say and do will either motivate or demotivate your team.  It is not only a compliment that motivates. It is not always benefits handed out that motivates either. At times it is just sharing an idea and listening to the feedback. For example at times you may have very little to share. Say time, goods, money etc. this does not at times matter. As Moslow tells us:

“Money in most cases is a motivator, but lack of same is not necessarily a de-motivator.”

Please note: “You cannot lead without the consent of those who ask you to lead or you happen to lead.” author unknown.  It is a two way street. Trust me on this view. What ever you do speaks volumes of the type of leader you are.

Types of Leaders

Autocratic,  democratic etc.  Will discuss in more detail the types of leaders who do exist. They do exist a combination of many styles.

Benefits To Employees

Many small enterprises cannot pay large salaries and give great benefits, yet many employees I have spoken to prefer to swim in a small pond than get lost in a lake or big enterprise.  In a small business or enterprise your opinion is often times sought which gives one the distinct feeling of being important to the business. As such consultation gives a feeling of self actualization of which Moslow does refer as the goal of most of us.  Consultation avoids confrontation.

Self Actualization

Self actualization is a feeling of a high level of personal achievement.  It is like climbing up onto the summit of a great mountain say the Himalias or Blue Mountain, the highest peak in Jamaica.  It is a feeling of having arrived.

Consultative Decision Making

Too many leaders fail to consult when making certain decisions, especially those which directly impact say an employee.  Creative persons like to be consulted with.

Case Study

Mr. Smith who worked for ten years in a computer related enterprise reported at a conference I attended that one day he returned to work after a weekend only to find his desk that was located at a window that overlooked the harbour removed and he no longer had a scenic view. His desk was relocated to a bigger office space and he had more privacy and more pay as he was promoted, yet he resigned and left the enterprise at the end of the same calendar year.

When asked why he left?

He told us that his boss failed to consult with him on the changes he had in mind and he felt alienated. Smith also said:

 “I no longer felt I was important to the growth and development of the enterprise not any longer.”

Why, was our question?

You got a private office and a promotion, yet you were dissatisfied.  Smith’s reply was:

“Money and status is not all”

We were all shocked to hear him say that. Pressed for more details he said later:

“I also felt demotivated due to not being consulted with by my boss.”

Smith as stated above eventually resigned from the company six months later that same year.

We learnt from commented in the local Newspaper that the business was closed shortly after Smith left as the owner manager was unable to afford to replace Mr. Smith who had special skills and played many roles in the business. A Jack of all trades you may say.  Smith was multi-skilled and was able to save the company a lot of money.

Summary

The above true story is a text book case line for line as Moslow had stated. Money is a motivator, but a lack of same, is not necessarily a de-motivator. It is how people are treated and are made to feel as part of an enterprise, whether big or small that matters in the end. Most people have the desire or yearning to feel a part of something that they are working to build.  The manager or owner’s task is to create this enabling atmosphere so all concerned can feel motivated to work together to achieve success for the enterprise.

That in the final analysis is the ultimate prize.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a student of management. Also a veteran journalist with international exposure.