The new volunteer year has officially started (as of June 1) which means new chapter goals have been created in months prior and chapter leaders are prepared to implement the plans to execute the goals. During the time chapter leaders were developing these goals, there was likely much discussion about what the result or outcome that will transpire. While we can set goals and have that expectation of the results, we also need to ensure we have developed the right tools, support and plan of action needed to reach our goals.
- Plan of Work – Chapters should start with a plan of work. The plan should include expected outcomes (what does the result look like?), tactics or strategies (how will we accomplish this goal?) as well as key performance indicators (KPIs – how do we measure our success?) for each goal. These steps will help define what is necessary to achieve the goal.
- Timelines – In addition to your plan of work, chapters should assign a timeline to each goal and determine what needs to be completed by when. Chapters could also assign who will be responsible for the goal or portions of it.
- Checklists – Chapters should also create checklists that include all the pieces or ‘moving parts’ necessary to achieve the goal. This could include supplies or resources, number of volunteers, skill set, project assignments, or anything else that will support the completion of the chapter’s goals.
- Status Reports – Chapters should have regular discussions about the status of tasks and projects related to the goal. Additionally, volunteers working on the goal should provide the board with regular status updates to ensure deadlines are being met and all work is being completed.
- GRIT – Remember to keep GRIT in mind as you and your fellow chapter leaders work on completing chapter goals. “Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.”- Angela Duckworth, TED Talks Education, April 2013