Committees can be extremely difficult to manage, considering that members voluntarily dedicate their time to service and have many other things to do in their daily lives. Being the president means coordinating the work of all, in order to achieve a common goal. If you have decided to spend your time directing these volunteers, follow the steps below to learn how to manage a committee.
Steps
Step 1. Establish the purpose of the committee
Within each organization there may be several committees entrusted with the task of carrying out different tasks. Before proceeding with the volunteers, arrange a meeting to ensure that everyone knows your goal and what you need to do.
Step 2. Review expectations with members
A committee is formed for a very specific purpose and for a limited period of time. It is best to inform members of what is expected of them during the time you are working together, so that there are no surprises in the future when you organize a meeting.
Step 3. Assign specific roles to volunteers
Even if you've been given the job of running a committee, that doesn't mean you're in charge of all the work. People volunteer to make their own contribution, so take the time to learn each other's skills or abilities and then delegate tasks to be done.
Step 4. Develop a budget for the time frame that the committee will work together
You have to determine the amount of money you have to work with. When assigning the roles of each, you should choose a treasurer who will be in charge of monitoring how members spend the money they receive.
Step 5. Write an agenda for each meeting
When you chair a committee, you need to realize that everyone's time is precious and you need to stick to a strict agenda. Members have volunteered their time and want to attend meetings that are run efficiently - and not waste time chatting or arguing.
Step 6. Nurture relationships with each member
Call each volunteer from time to time, or send emails to each person on a regular basis, so you know everyone on the committee. In addition to allowing you to find out more about them, members will feel much more comfortable communicating with you during the time you work together.
Step 7. Evaluate the success of the committee
When you chair a committee, it is a good idea to periodically check with members to see how they are doing. Since you have been in contact with them, you should be able to ask if they feel confident in their role and, if not, what kind of help they need to do their job.
Advice
- Use your meetings to bring your achievements to the fore as you go, so that volunteers feel valued for all their hard work. This will also serve to motivate everyone to do the job in the best possible way.
- Respond quickly and in a timely manner to any requests, questions, comments or concerns that members bring you to your attention.
