On My Toes

     In an organization of any size, people are called upon to fulfill various roles. Why is it that those least involved criticize the loudest?

     My friend, Liza, became the coordinator of her church's Vacation Bible School (VBS) last year. Part of the reason for this was that no one wanted to do it. When she asked one woman who'd been involved previously if she could help she said she would be eight months pregnant and didn't want to be out of the air conditioning. Liza carried on without her. Fast forward to this year, when Liza asked again she told her that because she has a baby she wouldn't be very active. Liza proceeded forward with the help of her co-director.

     A few weeks after VBS ended, this woman talked to Liza's co-director about sending out a survey. This struck Liza wrong. This woman didn't have time to participate, but she could organize a survey? Odd. When my friend approached the woman about this, she restated her position and said it was no big deal since she'd already cleared the survey with the pastor. Not only had she stepped on Liza's toes, she'd also gone behind her back. When Liza asked her if she'd had issues with the way VBS was directed she said no, but she just wanted to get "external input". This is interesting since no surveys were ever sent out before. Liza decided to voice her feelings in calmly written, proofread e-mail. The woman responded by emailing her back and saying that she didn't mean to offend Liza, but her family comes first and she couldn't make time for VBS because of it. In my opinion, she used her family to deflect blame. She had multiple opportunities to be involved and wouldn't. When Liza emailed her back she responded by saying she thinks a committee for VBS would be a good idea. Insult meet injury. For someone who couldn't be involved she wants a survey and the formation of a new committee. Liza was less than amused. Things get accomplished with just her and her co-director. She's all for volunteers, but a committee would be too many hands in the pot for a week long VBS.

     When a call is uttered, do not be afraid to answer. For the most part, there will be gratitude, but there will always be detractors. Address them and move forward. If they don't like the job you're doing, tell them to give it a shot. That should quiet the grumbles.