[Sca-cooks] OT politics and respect

[ruadh]

I'm also part of a singles square dance group with this same power 'game'.
We have lost new members, who saw this in-fighting.  I take a very direct
[ aka "In your Face"] approach. I don't raise my hand and volunteer, I stand
up and announce:  I "will" lead, and I need my staff to volunteer now !
Write down names and get spellings [getting the spelling is great, everybody
sees You writing down their info].  This re-enforces the Leadership position
you chose. It makes a presentation in front of everyone [ grand-standing].
And just maybe, some timid soul will join you [ who would not join the
"power_others"]. Give monthly reports of progress [ reminds them it's your
game]. Each week ask for volunteers [ don't use the word 'help'; except in
private]. Read the book "Swimming with Sharks"; its about salesmanship.  How
to be very forceful, without being vicious.

PS. I like what you wrote.   Ru

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bethra Spicewell" <christina_elisabeth at yahoo.com>
To: <sca-cooks at ansteorra.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 1:54 PM
Subject: [Sca-cooks] OT politics and respect


> Kiriel wrote: "Ultimately whether you are involved in politics or not,
> you end up being given the respect you earn."
>
>  snips .......
>
>   I think *that's* the kind of politics that causes people to leave.
> When one gets involved in politics whether they want to or not, the
> alternatives are to force yourself on those who don't want *you* (or
> anyone else they don't know) to play with *them*, or to just give it up
> and go away.