Introduction

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                     DELEGATING TO MOTIVATE

A useful motivational tool that is not usually considered is the
motivation of potential leadership through delegating.  Delegating
is usually considered a remedy for leader burnout, and it is.  But
it can also be a preventative motivational aid well in advance of
burnout or fade out.

A certain number of people in a group must grow into positions of
leadership or they will lose interest and the group as a whole will
fade away.  Delegating responsibilities to individuals and
committees will help members feel they are vital to the group; they
join to contribute and to be part of the group's decisions and
actions.  While they may not have enough time to do a great deal,
they can do their share.  That effort helps them personally, and
helps the group's total output.  It's a short step from doing a
committee task to chairing a committee.

This all sounds easier than it is to accomplish.  Leaders need to
be prepared to do some preplanning.  They must choose tasks that
are do-able, necessary, understandable, and are complete pieces. 
They must also lay out responsibilities and performance goals
clearly, give support and feedback, set deadlines, and reward
performance.

One way to begin the process is to involve the executive committee,
another committee or even the whole group in the following simple
exercise.

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98