(no subject)
For the longest time, I've struggled to find good volunteers and community service workers that help at my job. The operations are complex and it's all about teamwork I've learned although there are times I'd just do it on my own. Would be easier, done right. However, that cannot continue and I realize that. Except now I'm in a very different quandary.
A volunteer just started and she's a good woman and worker. She takes direction and is a quick learner. She truly is a valuable asset to getting things accomplished. However, her motives for volunteering aren't all that great. She just retired and is now disabled and needs something to do. That I can appreciate-been there and done that. However, it's becoming kind of irritating. She gets lonely easily and has this "I can be here 8 hours a day, 7 seven days a week" mentality. First of all, we're not open 7 days a week, 8 hours a day. Second, I don't even work 8 hours a day- only part-time. Third, she may not have a life, things to do, but my boss and I do. When there's no work to do, there's no work. There's "help" and then there's "let me do my job."
It's great she wants to help and we need it but my organization alone cannot fulfill her life. She needs a pet, a hobby, another place to volunteer, something to do so we don't have to constantly please her need to be busy and near others. When this comes up, I just shut up and say nothing, trying to be nice and not get into her business. However, that pressures her to leave. So saying nothing is probably worse. Yet, how can you nicely say that? I mean, would you appreciate someone telling you "Get a hobby!" Yet, isn't that part of the job of a leader, saying not so nice things on occasion, having the courage to do so?
A volunteer just started and she's a good woman and worker. She takes direction and is a quick learner. She truly is a valuable asset to getting things accomplished. However, her motives for volunteering aren't all that great. She just retired and is now disabled and needs something to do. That I can appreciate-been there and done that. However, it's becoming kind of irritating. She gets lonely easily and has this "I can be here 8 hours a day, 7 seven days a week" mentality. First of all, we're not open 7 days a week, 8 hours a day. Second, I don't even work 8 hours a day- only part-time. Third, she may not have a life, things to do, but my boss and I do. When there's no work to do, there's no work. There's "help" and then there's "let me do my job."
It's great she wants to help and we need it but my organization alone cannot fulfill her life. She needs a pet, a hobby, another place to volunteer, something to do so we don't have to constantly please her need to be busy and near others. When this comes up, I just shut up and say nothing, trying to be nice and not get into her business. However, that pressures her to leave. So saying nothing is probably worse. Yet, how can you nicely say that? I mean, would you appreciate someone telling you "Get a hobby!" Yet, isn't that part of the job of a leader, saying not so nice things on occasion, having the courage to do so?