RETENTION
“The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but
in what direction we are moving” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
OK. So you have publicized
your organization in the Daily Illini, at Quad Day and in the residence
halls. You now have the largest, most energetic group in the history
of your organization. How can you keep them that way?
Member retention is
one of the most overlooked – yet extremely important – aspects
of an organization. So many people feel that as long as their members
show up for meetings, they must be enjoying themselves. Losing group
members does not typically occur because the member has failed the group;
more often than not, the member feels the group failed him.
Keeping members interested,
excited and feeling responsible for the success of the organization
are key factors in member retention. There are several ways to accomplish
this which are not difficult or magical – they just take a bit
of practice and conscious effort.
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Get
a good start. Making new members feel welcomed and appreciated from
their first meeting goes a long way. Make a special effort, as an
individual and with your group, to warmly welcome new members and
let them know you are glad they are there.
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Goal-setting.
Setting goals together as a group helps members feel more responsible
for completing the goal. People are more likely to support ideas and
projects that they were involved in creating.
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Team
builders. Nearly everyone groans at the statement “Let’s
do an icebreaker!” but they work! Doing team-building exercises
every so often helps people get to know one another, strengthens the
bond within the group and often reminds people that the group needs
each and every one of them in order to succeed.
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Recognize
success. How disheartening it is to work hard on a project only to
have it fade away without being recognized. When your members work
hard, reach a goal or pull off an event, thank them!
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Delegate.
What is the point of being in a group if you have no responsibility?
Delegate assignments as much as possible. If members have specific
responsibilities, they will feel more important and necessary.
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Ask
for opinions. Group meetings in which one person does all the talking
may go quickly (or may not!) but generally do not leave members feeling
valued. Encourage group discussion in your meeting and make a point
to ask for the opinions or suggestions of your particularly quiet
members.
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Keep
them informed. Do everything you can to keep your members abreast
of group activities. Send them copies of the agenda prior to the meeting,
distribute the minutes within two days after the meeting, make announcements
of major changes prior to the rumor mill getting started. Do not keep
them guessing.
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Create
individual mission statements. Many organizations have group mission
statements which are excellent for keeping on track and working towards
a common goal. It is also a good idea for each member to write their
own mission statement: Why am I a member of this group? What do I
hope to get out of my participation? What talents can I contribute
to the group? If someone’s only reason for participation is “resume
building,” he may want to reconsider his membership or find other
motivating reasons for being involved.
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Show
your support. Encourage your members and support them in their projects
and ideas. Let them know they have someone they can turn to for help,
support and guidance.
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Communication.
Keep the lines of communication open. If your members feel they can
freely ask questions or voice concerns, they will be more likely to
remain in the group with a positive attitude.