I posed this question to a group of volunteer coordinators at a recent conference. What do super heroes have to do with program management? Consider this...
The Differences
- The Lone Ranger has only one sidekick, plus horse. The Superfriends have a team of helpers who are activated to assist, depending on the world crisis at hand.
- The Lone Ranger is clearly the boss; Tonto follows orders (and shares his wisdom solely on a need to know basis). The Superfriends use situational leadership; the person in charge depends on which evil needs to be thwarted at the moment, and everyone shares their particular talents.
- The Lone Ranger's crew of two men is uni-generational. The Superfriends are multi-generational and include women (and yes, they could work on being more culturally diverse). Also, you don't have to have super powers to be a Superfriend; you just have to care.
You Make the Choice
If you run a volunteer program, you get to choose. What will your team look like and how will it operate? Your capacity will be limited if you are unable or unwilling to welcome the talents of community volunteers, delegate authority, and be ready to let go.
Two dudes working in isolation can't make big change happen; they don't have enough time, resources, or energy. Tribes of people who care about each other and the cause do have that power, however.
Volunteers will choose, too. Changing the world is a team endeavor that stretches far beyond any organizational walls. It's more than likely your potential supporters will see it this way, and will choose organizations that make the most of what they have to offer. So ask yourself, are you a Lone Ranger or a Superfriend?
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