How do you motivate more advanced dancers to help run things?
Delagation is hard. I struggle with this in the Chicago Balboa scene. However, sharing responsibility gives others greater ownsherip and empowerment in the scene along with preventing you from getting burned out. Here is some advice to help you delegate:
- Ask for help. The first step in getting others to help is asking. I have learned that many people are willing to help when I have asked for help.
- Be a good matchmaker. Make sure to pair dancers with responsibilities that best meet their skills and experience. Also, consider people’s intersests and personalities. It may take some time to get to know your volunteers and best match them with tasks.
- Remember that all level of dancers can help. Sometimes novice dancers have lots of energy and skills that they can devote to the team. Also, you may be able to delegate small tasks such as running errands for supplies to newer dancers.
- Be clear and concise! Be specific when describing tasks to volunteers. Once I asked a dancer to pick up safety pins for a competition. Being new to competiting, she only got one small box and everyone had to pin on their numbers with a single pin. I should have been more clear with the exact number of pins needed.
- Let go. This is so hard to do! I am a perfectionist and it is really hard for me to delegate. Volunteers may not do things perfectly, but involving them in organization will grow your scene and save your energy for other tasks.
- Be patient. You may need to teach volunteers new skills. In the short run, training more volunteers may take additional time, but if you continue to grow your scene your volunteers will allow you to grow in ways you never could on your own.
- Make your volunteers feel appreciated. Say thank you and look for any opportunity to recognize their contributions.