I didn’t volunteer to be bullied

BulliedQ.  The director of our volunteer-based organization is a bully. She gets away with it because of her longevity and her close ties to funders.  It’s bad enough that she won’t listen, but even worse is the way she shuts everyone down.  I don’t want to be bullied into quitting. What can I do?

A.  Ouch!  I feel your pain.  It sometimes feels like organization members dismiss the personal idiosyncrasies of people who selflessly contribute—until an individual’s years of service eventually land him or her at the helm of the organization.  Now the personal flaw is a big leadership faux pas.  The leadership situation is often made worse because volunteers are often risk-adverse.  Why? You probably have heard your colleagues say,  “I can’t contribute more time, so I am not going to say anything.”  Ouch, again.

Here are questions to consider:

  • Who are your allies?  Among your allies, who is willing work a little bit harder for your organization to regain its attractiveness?  Note:  Don’t meet to grumble or plan a coup; form alliances and re-engage in the mission of your organization.
  • Can you call for an election or a change of leadership?  If yes, when?   Do you have a candidate?  Are you willing to be a candidate?
  • Is your organization operating according to the by-laws?  Note—don’t get bogged down in legalize, but there may be clause about “professionalism” or “volunteer retention” that can bolster your position.
  • Does your organization report to or have emeritus members?  If yes, without gossiping, do they know that volunteer participation is declining and that members feel that they cannot contribute?

Most bullies don’t rise to leadership positions and in well-run business organizations there is zero tolerance for bullying.  If a bully is chairing a committee or an organization, it is because a lot of people have fallen asleep at the switch.  Thanks for asking the question and not quitting.  Your organization needs you and you are clearly awake!

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