How does a stick become a carrot motivator? When it’s a Spirit Stick. This symbol evokes memories of high school pep
rallies and Friday night football. The stick
tradition began in the late 1940’s at a national cheerleading camp. One squad was not particularly good at
performing the moves, but always arrived early and stayed late, all day long actively
encouraging the other teams. Their
enthusiastic attitude had a dramatic impact on the spirit of the camp. For this, the camp coordinator created an
impromptu award, a decorated tree branch, to recognize that squad’s positive
impact.
We all hunger to see such enthusiasm in our organizations. But some groups have strange ideas of how to
instill ‘spirit’. An obvious example is some
religious or social gathering that gets mired in group-think. This mindset isolates and strangles the
ability to positively influence newcomers.
Introducing a newbie into your homeowners association,
business, or a Georgia CAI committee is a matter of first impressions. Does your welcoming act include a thick list
of rules? Greetings of “Thou Shalt Not” drown
out any thought of benefits and rewards.
Words are like rain: Hard ones
don’t soak in.
The ways conflicts are handled cement your group’s
reputation as a bridge builder or burner.
When a homeowner sends a ten-point list of accusations, the natural
reflex is a point-by-point response.
That list of complaints serves to pull your emotional chain. Ignore the distraction. Instead keep your responses short, focusing
on big picture items. Sometimes silence
is the best answer.
Conspiracies are an opportunity to quench the fires of
volunteerism. Gossiping about past
conflicts with other individuals is unprofessional and leaves the hearer
wondering what is being said about him or her.
If everyone is out to get you, there’s probably a good reason for
it. Take a look in the mirror.
Self-absorbed personalities in an organization are also a
turnoff. At best, they are daunting, or
worse, obnoxious. Either result dampens
spirits. Instead you should tout group
accomplishments not yours. Self-important
people are only important to themselves.
Tooting your horn about the organization is
expected. More often, let your actions
do the talking. Keep your focus on
encouraging the others to do their best, even those who might be competitors. Raising the standard of excellence for ALL creates opportunities for you and
your team. So walk softly and carry a
big spirit stick.
