Provide meaningful tasks with specific timelines
· Use email reminders of completion dates
· At each meeting’s conclusion, assign specific tasks
· Allow volunteers to work on tasks based on what people are interested in and where their talents are
· Define tasks at the beginning of each meeting to clarify what’s on the agenda
· Conduct follow up with volunteers to see how task is going
· Discuss until it is clear why the task is important
· Give reasonable deadlines to avoid undue pressure
· Be certain the volunteer understands the task and agrees to the timeline
· Committee chair should share task delegation with Council chair and staff liaison
· Create timeline document for inclusion at orientation
· Recognize those tasks completed on time and of high quality
· Establish specific subcommittee/task force to evaluate an issue and report on it
· Allow volunteers input on setting task timelines
· Ensure that minutes reflect clear action items with the person(s) responsible for completing them
· Develop key performance indicators (KPI)
· Present the facts, present the benefits, present the timeline: take action
· Put the tasks in writing and update when necessary
· Assign all tasks with a timeline
· Split up the “high-profile” and “drudgery” tasks amongst all members of the committee
· Ask for committee volunteers to take on tasks, rather than assigning
Ideas compiled at the 2003 USTA Semi-Annual Meeting
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