SIMPLE FORMULA FOR BETTER MEETINGS TO RETAIN VOLUNTEERS
By Del Albright
Cardinal rule of volunteerism – don’t run me off with bad meetings!
Poor supervision and lack of organization are next on the run-off list.
Time is the most precious volunteer commodity.
Rabbit chasing is best left in the backwoods.
Following the agenda is imperative.
Good meetings save time and make life easier.
Use this simple formula for running better meetings.
CARAT – acronym applied backwards = TARAC.
T = TIME – start and stop on time. Avoid negative reinforcement.
A = AGENDA – have one and stick to it.
R = ROLES/RULES – everyone knows why they are at the meeting and what are the ground rules.
A = ACTION – who, what and when; without them you wasted time.
Are action items SMART (Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Timely)
C = COMMITMENT – verbalizing the action by the doer.