By Jennifer Teeler on May 14, 2013
- Marce Mendez Campos / Flowers Photos / CC BY-NC-ND
My daughter, Abigail, and I like to go out to coffee together. Last week, we wanted to try a new coffee shop called Bedlam. I went online to get directions and one of the roads leading to the shop was not named on the map. When I minimized the window on my computer, the tab read “Unknown Road to Bedlam.”
That statement really hit me and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It’s a good illustration of the need for leaders to be effective communicators. Here’s why:
In order to reach a goal, we need to know where that goal is and how to get there. Essentially, we need a map. As a leader of volunteers, it’s my job to provide that map to others in a way that they can understand – the roads must be named. And in a way that inspires them to join me on this journey. In fact, in their book The Leadership Challenge, Kouzes and Posner define leadership this way: “the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations.”
Communicating in a way that inspires is essential for leaders. In one short session at the upcoming VAN conference in June, I can’t teach you all of the principles and nuances of leadership communications. But I can give you some of the basics and a few tips and tricks to set you on the right path. And hopefully that path is not the Unknown Road to Bedlam.
Leadership Communications is just one of the helpful workshops and classes that will be offered at the VAN conference on June 25th. To attend the conference, register here. Hurry, because early bird registration ends tomorrow!
Posted in conference info, Monthly Newsletters, Professional Development & Resources, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
Other Recent Posts
By Lisa Yeager on May 10, 2013
Now is a great time to register for the VAN Conference and get a discount! The early bird registration of $75 ends on Wednesday, May 15th. Registration price includes the conference, meals, and VAN membership! We have a fabulous line up of speakers and workshops. There will also be booths with information on volunteer recruitment and [...]
Posted in Conference, conference info, Monthly Newsletters, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
By WendiLee MacLeod on May 7, 2013
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By Chris Holland on April 30, 2013
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By Jennifer Teeler on April 30, 2013
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Posted in Monthly Newsletters, Professional Gatherings, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
By Lisa Yeager on April 29, 2013
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Posted in Conference, Monthly Newsletters, Professional Gatherings, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
By Jennifer Teeler on April 22, 2013
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Posted in Monthly Newsletters, Professional Gatherings, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
By Chris Holland on April 16, 2013
I’m fortunate that my volunteer program is fairly small and adaptable. I can truly get to know our regular volunteers. I can flex our program fairly easily. This gives me more opportunities to find the value in our volunteers. A couple months ago, I got an email from a student at our local high school asking [...]
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By Jennifer Teeler on April 2, 2013
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Posted in Monthly Newsletters, Professional Gatherings, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
By Jennifer Teeler on March 26, 2013
Don’t forget to attend our VAN Professional Gathering tomorrow where we will talk about conducting background checks on volunteers. Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Time: 11:30-1:00 Location: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA, in the Council Chambers room on the Lobby Level. Please note that no food is permitted in Council Chambers. [...]
Posted in Monthly Newsletters, Professional Gatherings, Uncategorized, VAN NEWS |
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